Pima County restarts youth bicycle safety program
Aug 02, 2021
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Read More NewsThe Pima County Health Department Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program is bringing back bicycle education to youth and schools following its pandemic-related hiatus.
Staff expect to work with 35 elementary and middle schools during 
the 2021-2022 academic year. Educators already have returned with summer programming at Imago Dei Middle School, Lawrence 3-8 and El Grupo Youth Cycling Summer Camp.
So far, more than 225 young people have received bike education and skills to safely and confidently use the bicycle as transportation. The students learn how to properly fit a helmet through the County’s partnership with the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and take home a series of materials.
The program is dedicated to improving practical skills and knowledge related to bike safety. Bike safety classes are age-appropriate, focus on students in grades 3 to 8. All classes are conducted by League of American Bicyclists certified instructors and adhere to best practices promoted by the League.
The County provides a fleet of bikes transported to the school for use by all who are enrolled. Students get helmets for the session, which instructors properly fit on-site, that they get to keep. Middle-school programming is more extensive and includes a 5-week curriculum with higher emphasis on skill-based riding. Properly-fitted helmets are provided for all participants in this program as well.
Elementary schools or youth organizations who are interested in the Bike and Pedestrian Program can email Ignacio Rivera de Rosales. Middle schools can email Elaine Mariolle.