Dr. Aaron Block is an assistant professor of computer science at Austin College in Sherman, home of 1350 students. Austin College was one of the pilot CATS schools in 2012, and Professor Block used CATS as a starting point to offer his well-earned wisdom to his students.
Dr. Block is involved with the Roo Riders, an Austin College bicycling organization which promotes awareness, knowledge, and understanding about the impact bicycles can have on society and health, along with providing camaraderie for students who ride bikes at Austin College. He added a bike repair session to the CATS presentation, enticing more students to come and learn not only how to ride safely and legally, but also how to properly look after their bikes. Students gained valuable skills in cleaning and basic bike repair.
Professor Block also emphasized that college students should ride differently than they did when they were children—kids stop and go a lot, ride slower, and may disregard rules of the road. Block tells his students, “Ride like an adult.”
He also urges students not to drink and ride. Block says, “One third of all bike fatalities are when the bicyclist is legally intoxicated.”
As an extra incentive for coming to the CATS presentation and learning bike safety, Professor Block gave out prizes to students who were able to answer questions correctly at the end of the presentation. CATS has been successful at Austin College because Professor Block took the basics and added his own flair.
Want to use CATS at your school? Contact [email protected] or call 512-476-7433.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Block.
