Education
We envision a community where...
educational programs are readily available to prepare everyone for life in a community where bicycling is commonplace.
Goals
1. Provide learning opportunities for everyone
Regardless of age, ability, gender identity, race, income, or mode of travel, all people should have access to relevant local education that empowers them to ride bikes and support bicycling.
2. Make bike education readily available
Bicycle education should be frequently offered by well-known local organizations and integrated into established channels so that people are aware of and take up these educational opportunities.
3. Increase community-wide bicycling readiness
Both bicycle and driver-focused education should boost confidence and skills to build a future where bicycling is commonplace in Tompkins County.
the education action plan
Action 1
Develop bike skills programs at all elementary schools in Tompkins County.
Action 1
Develop bike skills programs at all elementary schools in Tompkins County.
Let’s raise a new generation that is equipped to ride bicycles by incorporating bike education into elementary school curricula.
A collaborative effort with physical education teachers and school administrators will garner equipment to launch programs necessary to empower children to ride bicycles, grow their self-esteem, and learn skills that lead to more independent lives.
Early Elementary Goal
Teach each second grader to ride a bicycle without training wheels and learn age-appropriate safety skills.
Upper Elementary Goal
Equip each student entering middle school with the street skills needed to ride a bike to school.
Action 2
Offer comprehensive bike skills classes for adults.
You can learn to bike with safety and confidence.
Basic bicycle education will be available to all adults. Classes should be available year round for little to no cost and cover three main areas of bicycle education: Learn to Ride, Bicycle Handling, and Street Skills. By offering public classes and weaving them into existing programming at colleges, workplaces, and community centers each adult can be empowered to ride a bicycle!
Action 3
Launch a traffic safety campaign for all road users.
People are safer on bicycles when everyone understands the rules of the road.
A public campaign will educate people on how to best share the road and keep people on bikes safe. By bringing together social marketing and traffic safety experts, a campaign will be developed that supports all road users to safely get around a bike-friendly Tompkins County, regardless of the transportation mode they choose.
join the action
There’s a place for everyone as we transition into a more bicycle-friendly Ithaca. Whether you are a parent, college student, community leader, researcher, or business, you are needed.
