The children in Burkburnett are going to be safer and more likely to walk and bike to school because the teachers of Burkburnett are involved in the Safe Routes to School program. On August 28, 2006, teachers from three elementary schools in the Burkburnett ISD were certified to teach the Texas SuperCyclist Curriculum to their students.

Cindy Giles, PE teacher at Hardin Elementary, is already implementing the safety program. The 4th and 5th grade students are learning the seven Texas Laws, the importance of wearing a helmet, how to fit a helmet and the proper use of hand signals. In the next few weeks children will also learn the various bicycle parts and how to do a bicycle safety inspection before every ride. A SuperCyclist bicycle inspection checklist will be sent home so the students, together with their parents, can perform a safety check on all their bikes.

Pat Brake, PE teacher at Evans Elementary, is dedicated to the program and will be starting implementing the curriculum on Nov. 6th, 2007. We would also like to recognize and welcome John Starling, PE teacher from Tower Elementary, to the program. John also completed the SuperCyclist Certification Training.

As the Local Outreach Coordinator for North Texas, I am always reminded of the need for safety education for the children. I see the excitement that this program generates among the students. They all enjoy riding bicycles and are hungry for this information. Thank you teachers, for recognizing the importance of, and implementing the Texas SuperCyclist and Safe Routes to School programs in your schools.