Introducing – BikeTexas ParentsPlus Program
On October 1, 2009, BikeTexas began the development of the new BikeTexas ParentsPlus Program. The program is funded through a Texas Dept of Transportation grant. The program will provide parents plus other adults concerned with bicycle and pedestrian safety, the certification training and resources necessary to instruct communities in these issues and how to develop neighborhood bicycling and walking events. These events will incorporate safety messages in a fun and healthy venue. The events will allow the safety lessons to be heard by the larger community, thus amplifying its effect.
The BikeTexas ParentsPlus Program includes (1) training parents plus other adults concerned with bicycling and walking safety using the developed ParentsPlus training materials, (2) developing some of the safety materials in both English and Spanish, (3) continually revising and distributing the training materials, (4) publishing print and web-based resource materials to reach a broader audience.
These activities will increase public information and education efforts on the rules of the road, use of safety equipment, and motorist awareness for sharing the road. They will also improve public education and information on safe walking and safe bicycling practices.
Parent Teacher Association (PTA) will be one of several partners in the program. PTA’s Healthy Lifestyles Program goals are to promote healthy lifestyles and promote family and community involvement in helping develop healthier school environments. The BikeTexas ParentsPlus Program shares this goal to spread the bicycle and walking safety message to our Texas schools and communities. Community police officers, injury prevention groups and bicycle safety advocates will also be interested in the ParentsPlus Program.