BikeTexas Safe Routes to School participation is community-wide. Currently, participation includes (but is not limited to):

• Children
• Parents
• Volunteer School Team Leaders
• Physical Education Teachers
• School Principals and District Administrators
• Government and Elected Officials
• Public Health Professionals and Agencies
• Universities and Colleges
• Planners and Engineers
• Law Enforcement
• Bike Shops and Bike Clubs
• School Friends and Neighbors
• Community Groups
• Cycling, Health and Safety Non-profits

Parents
Parental participation produces safer neighborhoods and healthier families. When parents help children choose healthy, active lifestyles and provide them with the tools they need to get started, they strategically foster healthy attitudes that children will carry with them throughout their lives and pass on for generations to come.

What's your role?
Parents support the BikeTexas Safe Routes to School Program by:

• purchasing safe and properly fitted bikes and helmets for your children and yourselves.
• walking and riding bikes with your child to school if its feasible.
• walking and bicycling with your family for exercise, pleasure and transportation.
• starting a program at your school or becoming a BikeTexas Safe Routes to School Team Leader.
• assisting your school's designated Team Leader and Texas Bicycle Coalition Education Fund (TBCEF) Local Outreach Coordinator (LOC) to organize contests and events that encourage other kids and parents to walk and bike regularly.
• leading "walking or biking school buses" for young children in your neighborhood.
• assisting Texas SuperCyclist Certified Teachers as they teach the SuperCyclist Curriculum to students at school.

What's our role?
The TBCEF supports Parents in program target areas by:

• employing Local Outreach Coordinators to assist schools with safety education, events, contests, and program implementation.
• providing free Team Leader Training.
• providing free educational materials and resources whenever available.

Volunteer School Team Leaders
Team leaders are TBCEF’s heros and work directly with Local Outreach Coordinators (LOCs) to become volunteer liaisons between TBCEF and schools, while building relationships with:

• School Administrators
• Parent Teacher Associations
• Other Team Leaders
• School Advisory & Site Councils
• Local Law Enforcement
• Local Media
• Government and Elected Officials
• The Healthcare Community
• School Neighbors and Friends

What's your role?
Team Leaders support the BikeTexas Safe Routes to School Program by:

• promoting and directing events such as Texas Bike & Walk to School Day.
• coordinating regularly scheduled Bike and Walk to School days and helping to arrange walking school buses and bike trains.
• introducing other events, contests and encouragement tools to schools.

What's our role?
The TBCEF supports Team Leaders in target areas by:

• providing free Team Leader Training.
• providing free educational and promotional services and materials when available.

Physical Education Teachers
Teaching the Texas SuperCyclist Curriculum to your students ensures that they are better equipped to walk and bike safely to and from school and in their communities. The curriculum teaches bicycle, pedestrian and motorist safety education, helps to fulfill the Physical Activity requirements of Senate Bill 19 and meets the 4th and 5th grade Physical Activities and Health requirements of the Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills (TEKS).

What's your role?
Teachers support the BikeTexas Safe Routes to School Program by:

• implementing the Texas SuperCyclist Curriculum in classrooms and/or P.E. classes. By teaching this curriculum, teachers arm students with the knowledge and skills they need to walk and bike safely to school and in their neighborhoods. By teaching the physical activities of the curriculum, teachers help students incorporate regular exercise into their daily routine. These exercises help improve student strength, balance, endurance and flexibility - skills needed for cycling and other sports.
  

What's our role?
The TBCEF supports teachers in program target areas by:

• providing free SuperCyclist Certification Training (6 hours).
• providing free SuperCyclist Curriculum teaching materials.
• providing six (6) TAPHERD continuing education units/credits.
• providing stipends, for eligible participants.
• providing in classroom assistance as resources allow.
• providing equipment resources when/if available, including the Helmets by the Dozen program.

"This is one of the best programs I've been involved with. Thank you for letting me be a participant. I enjoyed teaching the curriculum very much. I am seeing the results myself as I observe my students riding their bikes to school. This makes me feel that I am making a difference in their safety and well being. Thank you once again for a great program!" - - Tamara Pickens, Booker Elementary School, Booker ISD

School Principals and District Administrators
The BikeTexas Safe Routes to School encouragement program helps school principals and district administrators support safe and healthy school communities.

What's your role?
School Principals and District Administrators support the BikeTexas Safe Routes to School Program by:

• signing the BikeTexas Safe Routes to School Principal/Superintendent Evaluation Consent Form.
• completing the brief BikeTexas Safe Routes to School Environment Survey.
• coordinating school staff and faculty to work with TBCEF Evaluation staff in the implementation of Teacher, Parent and Student Surveys.
• coordinating school staff and faculty to work with TBCEF Education staff in the implementation of the Texas SuperCyclist Teacher Certification Program on campus.
• supporting and encouraging teachers as they teach the Texas SuperCyclist Curriculum to their students.

What's our role?
The TBCEF supports School Principals and District Administrators in target areas by offering:

• assistance from full time Local Outreach Coordinators to offer support and guidance to help ensure the success of the program.

"The bicycle training was very beneficial to our teachers because it provided the resources necessary to teach the Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills (TEKS) as well as our own curriculum. The flexibility of the program allows for everyone to use it as he/she sees fit." - - Nancy Hogg, Instructional Specialist for Health, Physical Education and Athletics, Katy ISD

Government and Elected Officials
In addition to the direct impact on school, teachers, parents, and students, few programs more directly benefit neighborhood health and safety.

What's your role?
Government and Elected Officials support Safe Routes to School programs by:

• initiating Safe Routes to School Enforcement and Engineering programs in Texas communities.
• authoring a resolution of support for the BikeTexas Safe Routes to School Program.

What's our role?
The TBCEF supports Government and Elected Officials in target areas by:

• providing staff and recruiting volunteers to implement the Education, Encouragement and Evaluation Components of the BikeTexas Safe Routes to School Program in Texas communities.
• uniting schools, government, law enforcement, business and community groups to promote safety, physical activity and health.

''To tackle obesity we will need unambiguous political leadership at all levels of government, to make clear that public health has to come before private profit. This means a fundamental shift in the social environment that will support healthful eating and an active lifestyle. While the campaign must be led by government, it will require the active participation of primary care physicians, nutritionists, schools, and parents.'' - David Ludwig, Director of Optimal Weight for Life, Children's Hospital, Boston

"Texans have never been known to stand down in a fight. I believe we can win the battle for our children's health, but we have to start now. Real change will take all of us working together with a commitment to taking action today" - - Susan Combs, Texas Agriculture Commissioner

Public Health Professionals and Agencies
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Bank, more than one-third of school-age children in Texas are overweight or obese. There are twice as many obese children today than there were 20 years ago and there are three times as many obese teens. The obesity crisis is leading us into an increased incidence of a number of chronic diseases, including: type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, depression, asthma, osteoarthritis, and even some forms of cancer. Today's Texas children could be the first generation to have shorter lives than their parents. An overweight child has a 70% chance of becoming an overweight adult. The odds go up to 80% if a parent is overweight. Depression and low self-image are common in overweight youth. These children often face teasing from their peers and are less likely to do well in school.

What's your role?
Pubic Health Professionals and Agencies support the BikeTexas Safe Routes to School Program by:

• participating in the classroom instruction of the Texas SuperCyclist Curriculum.
• participating in events that encourage walking and cycling safely to school, such as the Texas Bike & Walk to School Day and Bicycle Safety Days.
• providing schools with materials and resources that demonstrate how walking and biking to school promotes healthy lifestyle changes and healthier children.

What's our role?
The TBCEF supports Public Health Professionals and Agencies in target areas by:

• implementing the BikeTexas Safe Routes to School Program to encourage activity in children through education, events and contests.
• development, training and distribution of the Texas SuperCyclist Curriculum and providing free training and teaching materials to teachers.
• developing and distributing health and safety materials to schools.

"Childhood obesity is linked to adult obesity which accounts for 5.7% of U.S. direct health care costs and 400,000 deaths annually. Health care costs for each American in 2002 equaled $4,695 annually, including out-of-pocket, private insurance and government program expenses. This is up 16% from 2000 and up 96% since 1990. The economic impact of chronic poor health is devastating for families due to healthcare costs as well as loss of income for patients and family caregivers. Chronic poor health results in a deterioration of quality of family life. At current trends, the overall cost to society and to the economy will be crippling." - - Department of Health Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

"Texans have the power to change this bleak future and schools play a critical role."
- - Susan Combs, Texas Agriculture Commissioner

Universities and Colleges
In mid-2002, Texas Bicycle Coalition Education Fund (TBCEF) acquired funding from the Texas Department of Transportation to update the entire Texas SuperCyclist Program training methodology. The result – the Texas SuperCollege Program – enabled physical education teachers as well as physical education teachers-in-training to receive SuperCyclist Teaching Certification. Student teachers receive elective course credits towards their degree by enrolling in the program at participating colleges or universities.

These institutions recognize the benefits and positive social impact of encouraging and supporting youth cycling education and skills training, and share a commitment with TBCEF and the state of Texas to improve child traffic safety education and child health.

What's your role?
Universities and colleges support the BikeTexas Safe Routes to School Program by:

• continuing to offer SuperCyclist Certification Courses to ensure that future generations of Texas teachers are equipped with the knoweldge and tools to educate children in bicycle and pedestrian traffic safety.

What's our role?
The TBCEF supports universities and colleges in Texas by offering:

• free Texas SuperCyclist Curriculum 2.0 on CD ROM (while supplies last) to student teachers who choose to enroll in the course.
• six (6) hours of on-site university or college staff instruction in the SuperCyclist 2.0 Curriculum.
• technical assistance as needed.
• free participation.
• stipends where and when available.

What do you do next?
TBC is working with universities across the state to provide training and certification in this curriculum for elementary classroom, physical education and health teachers. Please let us know if one or more teaching professionals (preferably cyclists) in your department or program who are interested in learning the curriculum. Contact the Texas Bicycle Coalition Education Fund and ask about the Texas SuperCollege Program.

SuperCollege Participating Universities

• Abilene Christian University
• Angelo State University
• Baylor University
• Concordia University
• Houston-Tillotson University
• Sam Houston State University
• Stephen F. Austin State University
• Texas A&M University
• Texas State University
• Texas Tech University
• University of Houston
• University of Mary-Hardin Baylor
• University of North Texas
• University of Texas at Austin
• University of Texas at El Paso
• University of Texas Pan AM

“At Texas A&M University the SuperCyclist curriculum was integrated into different sections of my course on health and physical activity. At the conclusion of the semester the Aggies presented a health fair at a local elementary school. The Aggies embellished the lessons with creative ideas. Lessons were presented on the rules of the road and equipment. Road courses were set up for the students to walk through and demonstrate hand signals and proper adherence to road signs.

Visuals of good and bad bicycle safety behaviors were shown and the children gave a thumbs up or down to indicate whether the scenario was safe or not. The children tried on and adjusted the helmets we purchased through Bell and created their own helmets complete with the appropriate stickers. At the conclusion of each lesson there was an assessment activity so that the children could show what they had learned. When asked at the close of the fair what they remembered, several of the children enthusiastically volunteered bicycle safety information.” - - Susan Wagner Dept of Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station

Planners and Engineers
Planners and Engineers who focus on school travel projects help reduce traffic, as well as automobile, bicycle, and pedestrian crashes near and around schools.

What's your role?
Planners and Engineers support the BikeTexas Safe Routes to School Program by:

• prioritizing projects which make it safer, more convenient and more attractive for children to walk and bike to school.

“... we are doing much to promote increased use of cycling in Texas for all. Bike to work. Bike to school. Safe programs going to school. Even if it's just going down the street to get a gallon of milk or a recreational ride - we can do much more with cycling...” - - U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, Lance Armstrong Resolution, (H.Res. 761), As delivered on the floor.

Law Enforcement
Law enforcement officers keep our streets and neighborhoods safe for everyone.

What's your role?
Law Officers support the BikeTexas Safe Routes to School Program by:

• maintaining a presence at and around the school drop off and pick up zones. This has a very positive effect on child behavior and offers the opportunity for officers to positively interact with community members, schools, students, teachers and families.
• participating in events and activities such as International and Texas Bike & Walk to School Days and encouraging regularly scheduled Bike & Walk to School Days.
• assisting teachers with implementing the Texas SuperCyclist Curriculum field training including student on-bike evaluations, the SuperCyclist Decision Making Course, and the SuperCyclist Skills Course.

What's our role?
The TBCEF supports Law Enforcement in target areas by:

• distributing traffic safety information, conducting community enforcement campaigns, and teaching traffic safety in our program schools.

Bike Shops & Bike Clubs
Bike shops and bike clubs are resources for current and future cyclists, providing bikes, accessories, service, and information on bicycles and bicycle maintenance. Shops and clubs often host local rides and races and are often active in community transportation initiatives that improve conditions for walking and cycling within their communities.

What's your role?
Bike Shops and Bike Clubs support the BikeTexas Safe Routes to School Program by:

• participating in school events.
• sponsoring contests.
• promoting the BikeTexas Safe Routes to School Program in stores and at meetings.
• joining the Texas Bicycle Coalition as Bike Shop or Bike Club Members.

What's our role?
TBC and TBCEF supports Bike Shops and Bike Clubs throughout Texas by:

• recruiting volunteers who help implement the program in the school community.
• providing free educational and promotional material.
• teaching cyclists and motorists about their legal rights and responsibilities.
• campaigning to support state and federal legislation which benefits children and cyclists.
• leveraging tens of millions of dollars annually for bicycle facilities.
• campaigning to promote bicycle tourism.
• sponsoring the Kids Kup mountain bike racing series.

School Friends & Neighbors
Our friends and our neighbors look out for our kids and make our neighborhoods safer, healthier, cleaner and more attractive for us all.

What's your role?
School Friends and Neighbors support the BikeTexas Safe Routes to School Program by:

• volunteering as cross-walk guards and/or route monitors.
• offering to sit out on front porches or patios, to watch over children as they pass by and to be visible in the neighborhood.
• individuals wishing to improve their own health can escort children part or all of the way and thus integrate a healthy walk or bike ride into their daily activity.
• volunteering to help with special events to encourage participation.
• assisting teachers with on-campus implementation of the Texas SuperCyclist Curriculum field trips and the student evaluation Decision Making Course and Skills Course tests.

What's our role?
The TBCEF supports School Friends and Neighbors in target areas by:

• providing BikeTexas Safe Routes Local Outreach Coordinators.
• providing free Team Leader Training.
• providing free resource and educational materials.
• organizing and training volunteers.