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Bike-Walk Alliance of NH ==
Bicycling and Pedestrian Education Programs
Education is a key goal of BWA-NH
BWA-NH is pleased to promote standardized bicycling and pedestrian education programs for all levels of interest. Whether the program is offered by BWA, the League of American Bicyclists (LAB) Certified Instructors outside BWA, or privately by other organizations, we want to spread the word that bike-ped education is important and the courses can be a lot of fun. Bicycling is a life-long activity, not a short-term sport undertaken for a few years then dropped. From students in grade three through college graduates and grandparents, there is a bike-ed program available for you. At this time a pedestrian education program is being implemented by BWA for elementary school age children and will be part of the more complex bike-ed training. For more details about the LAB courses offered by BWA, please visit the LAB web site or contact BWA at info@bwanh.org.
To help incorporate this program on a statewide basis and with full LAB support, BWA-NH applied for and received a Safe Routes to School grant for $42,000.00. Currently certified LAB cycling instructors (LCIs) must take additional training to become Master LCIs to "Train the Trainers". In addition, the national bike-ed program as created by the LAB and the National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) must be implemented with the support of a local bicycle dealer who is a NBDA member. BWA-NH is very pleased to work with S&W Sports in Concord to fulfill this requirement and roll out the program in southern NH. Shop owner Tim Farmer has been extremely helpful with many community-based bicycling programs. In the "North Country" region of NH, BWA-NH is working with Littleton Bike & Fitness to implement the same training. Owner Dave Harkless of Littleton Bike is highly commited to promoting bicycling safety at all levels, and his shop is another key BWA-NH sponsor.
This new "TTT" program will allow not only the shop personnel to become LAB certified Youth or Skills Cycling Instructors but the shops and BWA-NH will be able to reach schools, other organizations, and the public. Plans are underway for current NH LCIs to attain the additional training for the Master level. (Two of the six were certified in March 2010.) Once all factors are in place, the "TTT" program for the schools will be offered at no cost to train the staff in standardized and sustainable bicycling education principles for them to implement annually for their students. Many schools have already asked for this training so BWA-NH is not forcing this program upon them. Awareness, training, compliance, and enforcement together will make our shared roadways safer and more enjoyable when motorists and bicyclists interact properly by following the rules of the road. To learn more about the LAB bike-ed programs, please visit the LAB web site.
Several of the communities which applied for Safe Routes to School (SRTS) funding have included a bicycling education component in their grant applications. BWA has been asked to provide various levels of bike-ed ranging from simple one-period presentations (like "NH BikeSmart" and LAB "Kids-I" presentations) to longer programs including on-bike activities (LAB "Kids-II" course) to the "Train the Trainers" programs for a sustainable bike-ed program in a given school. There are six LAB-certified bicycling education instructors in NH who will provide the expertise for these nationally recognized programs. BWA is pleased to coordinate the efforts and to help meet the SRTS goals.
Some of the handouts used in support of bicycling in NH are available for downloading:
-- "Road Hog/Road Warrior" brochure from NH-DOT is an excellent summary of the laws concerning interactions between bicyclists and motorists. The actual NH laws (called RSA's) are referenced. Taking a brochure in your bike bag can help when informing others about the "do's and don'ts" regarding our shared roadways!
-- "Be a Safe Bike Driver" handout used by BWA-NH in elementary schools. Covered are helmet fitting, bike checks, rules of the road, and proper clothing. This info is actually good for everyone to know, regardless of age!
-- Steps to become a League of American Bicyclists certified instructor may be of interest. Additional training is required to attain the "Master" level of certification as required to training and certify the junior Youth and Skills Instructors as mentioned above.
-- Ride Leader Guidelines from the Granite State Wheelmen. Includes suggested actions if bicyclists ignore safety rules and if motorists harass bicyclists, this including blatant violation of the "3 Foot Rule."
-- Ride Sign-In Sheets (On-Road and Off-Road versions) used by the Granite State Wheelmen and BWA-NH. Hardcopies may be obtained from the GSW Office or Rides Coordinator but the downloadable version could be convenient.
-- Listing of NH Police Chiefs with non-emergency phone numbers for reporting incidents or requesting assistance. Harassment by motorists, flagrant violation of rules by bicyclists, or information requests might be reasons to call the local NH police department instead of "911".
Note: The NH BikeSmart program featuring a 45-minute presentation aimed at students in grades 3-5 is now in its fourth season. The program is owned and managed by Roger Lohr of Hanover NH, 603.643.0920, email RBLohr21@comcast.net. Details will be found on this web site as a courtesy to promote all levels of bicycling education in our schools, but BikeSmart is not a BWA or LAB supported program nor does BWA have any control or management of NH BikeSmart.
For additional info about the bicycling education programs and materials offered by BWA-NH, GSW, and LAB, please contact:
Dave Topham
BWA-NH Director
LAB M-LCI # 39
603.898.9926
dave@bwanh.org