Event Summary
National Bicycle Educators Conference
By Chris Davis
Safe Routes to Schools Curriculum Developer and Instructor
The League of American Bicyclists (LAB), the national organization promoting bicycle advocacy has again demonstrated their leadership by hosting the first National Bicycle Educators Leadership Conference. LAB is at the forefront of bicycle safety education, offering the only certificated bike safety education program, with curriculum, for adults and children. The conference was the first opportunity for professional bike safety instructors, most of whom are League certified, to come together to exchange information.
One hundred and seventy five people attended the conference in Madison, Wisconsin June 3-5. Every major program in the U.S. was represented which indicates the level of commitment the bike safety education community has to furthering the efforts of safety training. Their was a definitive focus on the methods and programs teaching children but best practices for adult education were also thoroughly explored. I was privileged to be a presenter on the Safe Routes to School panel, alongside the programs from Sacramento and Chicago. Panel topics covered a range of subjects related to safety education such as the role of law enforcement, the role of bike clubs, safety at events, pursuing resources, and the second panel I participated on which focused on dealing with the media.
The conference was an opportunity for a unique group of people to share what works, to ask questions of experts, to brainstorm on new projects, to forge new working relationships, and exchange a great many resources. The attendants possessed a range of experience, from those who came to learn how to start a brand new safety program in their community, to National experts. Panelists and participants were paid professionals and passionate volunteers; working for non-profits, state and federal agencies, cities and community groups.
As the Curriculum Developer and Instructor for the MCBC's Safe Routes to School program, I found the conference highly informative and truly inspirational.
