BikeTexas Conducts SafeCyclist Certification in Ysleta ISD

Carrie Beth Quiocho, or “Coach Q,” is a champion for youth cycling in her community. A Kinesiology Teacher and Coach at Riverside Middle School in Ysleta ISD, Coach Q contacted BikeTexas about our SafeCyclist Certification. BikeTexas staff teaches elementary school teachers (along with other community members who interact with children) the BikeTexas SafeCyclist curriculum that is designed for fourth and fifth grade students. With just a few weeks’ notice, Coach Q brought together 29 community partners for the June 26 training, including YISD PE teachers, coaches, YMCA staff, bicycle shop owners and advocates, and School Health Advisory Committee members.

BikeTexas provided the training and materials, which include the SafeCyclist Curriculum and Certification, Safe Routes to School Event Handbook, and a “From A-Z by Bike” booklet. BikeTexas also brought bikes along, so that participants could try out all the lessons for themselves. The group played the Bicycle Parts Relay, which is a race to pin name cards on the corresponding parts of a bicycle. They also learned bike and pedestrian laws actively with a circle running game (SafeCyclist Turnover) and a rousing game of charades. Trainees also ride the Decisions Making Course, which allows students to practice making cycling decisions in complex situations.

At the end of the training, several different groups spoke about the contribution they could make toward spreading the bicycle safety message. They all agreed to share emails and work together to encourage bicycling and guide the community to ride safely.

Before they left for the day, we asked participants which part of the training was their favorite. Some of the answers were:
“The hands-on activity. Handouts in Spanish and English are a huge plus.”
“The hands on experience of bike riding and games for kids to learn bike riding safety rules. Everything was great. I wish there was more time to ride outside.”
“Learning the parts of the bike game (Bicycle Parts Relay) and the Decision Course.”
“The activities!”