Amarillo’s PTA Welcomes Cycling Education

The Amarillo ISD Council PTA invited Texas Bicycle Coalition Local Outreach Coordinators Fernando Martinez and Joyce Cunningham to make a presentation about the BikeTexas Safe Routes to School program to their March 6th meeting.

Entertainment for the day was presented by the de Zavala 6^th grade choir. Their melodic young voices welcomed 30 PTA Presidents and representatives to the meeting of the Amarillo Independent School District Council PTA. Several songs later, a standing ovation for the group brought smiles to their faces as they exited the platform. It was a very good performance.

A 15-minute PowerPoint presentation by Cunningham and assisted by Martinez bought parents’ safety concerns to light as they all admitted they didn’t know the 7 Traffic Laws regarding bicycle safety.

Previously adult-only, obesity-related health issues are destined to reach epidemic proportions for our children. Reassurance that bicycling can help increase physical strength, endurance, flexibility and balance and prevent excessive weight gain offered a solution.

A call for Team Leaders and volunteers to help give the kids the tools needed to Cycle Smart was answered with “what can we do to help?” Texas Bike & Walk to School Day on Thursday, April 27 will be a great opportunity to introduce a fun, new concept of transportation.

Assurance by Mayor McCartt’s endorsement and Superintendent Schroder’s approval of the BikeTexas Safe Routes to School program enticed the appetites of the adults to try cycling to school with their children. For more information and materials to promote the upcoming event, the BikeTexas website was given as a resource. Renewed enthusiasm for bicycling by this Council announced that yes, spring is just around the corner in Amarillo!

Lamar Elementary School showed an enthusiastic welcome for bicycling at their March 7^th PTA meeting. PTA board, school staff, and parents were excited about the idea of bicycle pedestrian safety education being presented to their children. After the meeting, some parents admitted that two students had already been involved in accidents this school year.

Different upcoming events were discussed as possibilities for including bicycling education. The loss of their PE teacher of 30 years will not slow them down on this project. The parents agreed to do training themselves until a permanent PE teacher is assigned. What a great group of parents.