Maine Safe Routes to School Newsletter | November 2017 Newsletter
Photo and letter from Harriet Beecher Stowe ES in Brunswick regarding their bike/walk event on Friday Nov 17:  
"Our parent volunteer coordinator and her son gobbling along on their bikes!   My best to you and yours for a Happy Thanksgiving.  THANK YOU for all you do to help keep the state of Maine kids active and safe on their bikes and as a pedestrian."
-Lynn D'Agostino,  PE Teacher at  HBS
Improve Your School Arrival & Departure Procedures
Having trouble with your school arrival and departure procedures?
  • Is your school zone congested and chaotic?
  • Do family members wave their children across the street through moving traffic?
  • Are school bus drivers frustrated by people walking or driving through the bus zone?
  • Does it feel unsafe and uninviting to get to or from your school entryway on foot?
  • Has a student ever been hit by a vehicle in the vicinity of your school?
As fewer families walk, bike or bus, and more drive their children to school, arrival and departure procedures have become a common safety concern for schools. Too many people want to be in the same place at the same time. High traffic volumes at schools can have the effect of discouraging people from walking, bringing still more vehicles to your school's doorstep.

A chaotic environment immediately before and after school is an educational climate issue as well as a safety hazard.
Sometimes called "parent pick-up and drop-off rage," a high-stress environment in front of the school can negatively impact the learning environment. On the other hand, more families on foot can lead to greater chances for positive interactions, community building, and parent involvement in schools.

This is a step-by-step guide for school communities seeking to improve safety on their campuses during student arrival and departure times. 
Click here to view the guide

Need help implementing ideas? We're here to help! Email  saferoutes@bikemaine.org
Bath Middle School PUMPed
For New Bike Track


The city of Bath received a $2,705 BikeMaine Grant from the Bicycle Coalition of Maine to construct a bicycle pump track.

The pump track was built on a vacant lot between Bath Middle School and the Bath Skate Park.  
A pump track is a small, looping course of banked turns and other features designed to be ridden without pedaling. Instead, riders gain momentum by "pumping" with up and down movements on the bicycle. The track will be equipped with 30 high-quality bicycles and helmets, as well as tools and supplies for maintenance.

Pump tracks are not only fun for riders of all ages and skill levels, but can serve to build a robust riding community. When located near a school, pump tracks can encourage more bicycle commuting - which like walking has been proven to better student learning.

Learn more about  Pump Tracks

BikeMaine grants are available for bicycle-related projects in Maine communities that have hosted BikeMaine, a week long event offered by the Bicycle Coalition of MaineLearn more about the  BikeMaine event here .
Students Repair Their Own Bicycles
Coastal Academy students spend two hours every Wednesday morning in the school's shop, Coastal Bike Works, learning how to clean and repair bicycles in a hands-on environment.

Refurbished bicycles are sold to generate revenue for shop supplies, donated to community bicycle centers, or available to the students who repair them.

The idea was inspired by a bike shop that Shannon Belt started at Westbrook High School. Shannon is now a Education and Outreach coordinator at the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, which helped get the HCA bike program up on two wheels and plans to work with students periodically.

"One of our goals is education and working on making the roads safer for bicyclists and pedestrians ... giving kids mechanical knowledge to make the bike not a toy (but) a vehicle," Belt said. "It really changes kids' perspective. ... I think that's how we can make a change to make bicycles safer."
We're here to help you strategize, answer questions, and support your community as you make plans for walk and bike activities this school year!
 
The Maine Safe Routes to School Team

In This Edition


Darcy Whittemore
Education Program Manager
207-956-6537
darcy@bikemaine.org

Erik daSilva
Education Program Coordinator 
207-956-6539

Shannon Belt
Education & Outreach Coordinator (Greater Portland)
207-956-6528
 
Patrick Adams
MaineDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Manager
207-624-3311

Resources, Funding, & Timely Opportunities

Deadline: Dec 15
Submit an application to be recognized for your efforts and receive feedback from our team!

We're interested in getting these onto anything that's worn, ridden or carried.

What We're Reading

Teach your students to travel safely!  
The Maine SRTS Program  offers free bicycle & pedestrian safety education to schools, rec programs, and other youth organizations. The training covers 8 key points for young pedestrians and bicycle drivers. Adult education is also available.  
Contact Erik daSilva with questions.
Some restrictions apply 

Tricycle circa 1910
Look in the trailer over the back wheel. They have their baby in there!