Maine Safe Routes to School Newsletter | September 2017 Newsletter
October is Walk to School Month
Rumford
All of October is Walk to School Month and International Walk to School Day is October 4! Students, families, school leaders, community partners, and town & city representatives around the country will celebrate the benefits of walking to school.

The Walk to School movement grows every year. Last year, a record-setting 5,086 U.S. schools registered events and over 1,500 mayors were invited to participate in the celebration. Communities like yours use this day/month to build visibility for both the benefits of walking and any needed safety improvements.

Mayors and other elected officials are being encouraged to join the Walk to School celebration and show their commitment to safe walking for children and youth.  We hope you'll reach out to your mayor or town manager and invite them to be part of your event.

Let's get going!
Take a Kid Mtn Biking Day

Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day (TKMBD) is an annual event that seeks to introduce the joy of mountain biking to the next generation. Created in 2004 and recognized by U.S. Congress, TKMBD is officially celebrated every year on the first Saturday in October. Join in by organizing a ride or finding one near you to join. Register your event so it appears on the international calendar, and download a race plate template and the official TKMBD logo to help promote your ride. 

Get started!  
Smart Cycling: Traffic Skills 101
Do you know all you need to feel comfortable and safely ride a bike with traffic? Do you feel you know enough to teach your children how to ride cautiously and conspicuously while on their own? When you drive a car, are you confident on how to share the road with people on bikes?
 
The Smart Cycling program gives you the tips, tools, and techniques to confidently answer YES to each question. Our classes are taught by certified League Cycling Instructors (LCI). 

This FREE course is being offered in: 
Click on the above dates for more info and to sign up!
Remember to Focus On Driving 
When Driving!
 
At 30 miles an Hour
Don't be a Distracted Driver!
A message from Maine DOT
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

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

October 6-8
Conference geared toward youth, bikes, education, advocacy, and leadership. People from different disciplines, backgrounds, and ages gather together to learn, share, network, and explore how bicycling can be a catalyst for positive social change.

Upcoming Webinars
Oct 11, 2pm
Hear successful examples of policies, programs, and practices that have demonstrated the power of working together and strengthening the walking movement.

Oct 18, 1-2:30pm
Using traffic signals to make intersections safer and more comfortable for nonmotorized road users.


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