Bike to School
Biking is a healthy, active way to get to school. Biking can be intimidating at first. Here are a few programs to make biking to school safe and enjoyable for students and their parents.
Bike Map and Tips
Check out trafficsolutions.info/biking.htm for an excellent map of Santa Barbara bike routes and tips on bicycling. You can download a high resolution version of the map or request a free printed copy from Traffic Solutions.
Bike Train
Check Traffic Solutions' School Pool to form a Bike Train departing from your neighborhood. Take a look at the ongoing education programming at our schools about biking safely.
Bike to School Day (All Ages)
Held every May, Bike to School Day is a national event during Bike Month. Contact your SR2S Coordinator to see how you can help gear up for Bike to School Day.
Early Riders (Kindergarten – 3rd Grade)
Designed to teach parents how to teach their children how to ride safely, Is an interactive course that incorporates not only the child’s first bike lessons, but usually the parent’s as well. It also incorporates a bike safety check and information about how child development affects where and how children should ride. Contact your SR2S Coordinator to see about scheduling for an Early Riders class.
Bicycle Safety Assembly (4th–6th Grade):
Focuses on the helmet safety and the rules of the road for bikers, hazards to be aware of and reviews the four most common reasons children in this age group get into accidents. The assembly is ideally followed by a bicycle rodeo.
Bicycle Rodeo (4th Grade):
Certified by League of American Bicyclists to teach this bicycle handling course, Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition instructors teach bike handling skills and kids practice riding in a mock neighborhood on the playground. This is a fun way for kids to learn about what to look for and how to handle their bike while riding in the street
Super Cyclers (4th Grade)
In the Super Cyclers series learn traffic awareness skills, correct helmet fit and use, bike handling skills, bike fit, bicycle safety checks and how to determine where to safely ride. Lead by SB Bicycle Coalition certified instructors, students practice on the playground and are introduced to on-road riding in quiet neighborhoods around the school. This series is designed to develop the skill of safe & legal cycling-the basic ability to use a bicycle with confidence and competence for transportation and recreation. Contact your SR2S Coordinator to schedule a class at your school.
Pedal Power (Junior High):
Piloted in Spring 2009 and returning this fall to La Cumbre Junior High, Pedal Power is a two afternoons per week, 8 week afterschool program, designed to empower girls with basic bike mechanics and street skills to navigate neighborhood roads. The class is taught by SB Bicycle Coalition certified cycling instructors. For a Pedal Power class at your school contact your SR2S Coordinator.
Bike Fit and Safety Check (All Ages):
SR2S can coordinate a day to come to your school to do bike fit and safety checks. Contact your SR2S Coordinator.
Bike Helmet Distribution (Elementary Schools):
COAST/SR2S, in conjunction with the Goleta Valley Cycling Club and Santa Barbara Kiwanis, distribute and fit cool, multi-sport helmets after school for a low cost. Parents and kids can bring helmets from home and we’ll make sure it fits properly. Contact your SR2S Coordinator.