Trainers and trainees alike had a great time at our February 16, 2009 SuperCyclist training in Austin. The diverse group of trainees included Austin ISD Teachers, District Representatives from the Austin Police Department and Safe Routes to School advocates.
The variety of participants led to lively discussions about bicycle safety. The trainings provide an excellent venue for BikeTexas to understand the questions that noncyclists have about what is the right way for a bicyclist to handle traffic situations. A fun and interactive learning environment is an important aspect of the SuperCyclist Certification Training.
The District Representatives are involved in their neighborhoods through outreach and education. By going into the schools and sharing safety information, the officers are taking a proactive approach to community based problems. The interaction helps build a positive relationship with the police and students.
Doug Ballew and Nikki Trevino, who are working on the Safe Routes to School Project through the Travis County Health and Human Services Department, also participated in the training along with four of the teachers from their target schools. These teachers now have the tools to teach their 4th and 5th graders how to safely walk or bike to school or around their neighborhoods.
A special thank you to Marcia Casas, physical education teacher at McBee Elementary for hosting and participating in the February Texas SuperCyclist Certification Training. A total of eight Austin ISD physical education teachers participated.