Maine Safe Routes to School Newsletter | May 2017 Newsletter
May is Always
National Bike & Walk Month!
Lincoln Rodeo 2017
Bicycle Safety Rodeo in Lincoln, ME

Thousands (yes that many!) of Maine children have participated in riding and safety education events this month.
Check out our blog at  mainesaferoutes.wordpress.com  to see see some examples and  more great photos.  We'd love to add your photos too - please email a short event summary & media to [email protected] 

Bike & Walk to School Days
21 Maine schools registered Walk & Bike to School Days for the month of May.   Check out the list of star schools here .
Don't see your school on the list?? Then please  register your events and order incentive materials here!

bike_helmet_safe.jpg
New Helmet Program!
We are proud to announce that our helmet program is once again up and running. Support is provided through a 50/50 matching plan, requesters pay approx $6/helmet including s&h.  Visit helmets.mainebpse.org to learn more!
Walk / Bike to School Maps
Walk Bike to school Map
Looking for inspiration in designing Safe Routes to School maps?
Toledo Public Schools (in Ohio) has some great priority corridor maps with safety information for each of their k-8 schools, check them out here: livewelltoledo.org

These were developed through their Safe Routes to School Program, an outcome of their large district school travel plan.
BCM is Looking For a n 
Executive Director
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine is seeking an experienced, dynamic leader to join our exciting organization and build on our 25-year record of success in advancing educational, policy, and outreach-based initiatives to make Maine better for biking and walking.

Located in Portland, Maine, the Coalition is the statewide voice of cyclists in Maine, working for a bike and pedestrian-friendly culture supported by laws at the state and federal level. The Coalition also produces high-profile statewide events such as the Great Maine Bike Swap, the Women's Ride, the Maine Lobster Ride and Roll, and BikeMaine.
For more information visit bikemaine.org/jobopenings
Call for BIKE donations in Washington County
Washington County Council of Governments, in partnership with Healthy Acadia and the Down East Public Health Partnership, are seeking donations of lightly used bikes for kids and adults.

The bikes will be distributed to youth and communities in Washington County to help them establish bicycle programs - including youth-led bicycle repair programs and a public bike share program!

Here is the official flyer, which includes drop off locations.  
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
[email protected]

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: June 2
Is your city working to engage residents and spark creative transportation projects? This opportunity will award $50k to cities working to integrate creative placemaking with transit investments.

Deadline: June 30
The National Park Service can help  design trails and parks, conserve and improve access to rivers, protect special places, and create recreation opportunities. Grant applications are now being accepted.
Upcoming Webinars
June 12, 2-3:30pm
Truck side guards provide one tool agencies can use to respond to a growing safety problem.

This webinar will cover how pop-up projects can be used to advance SRTS, provide examples, and discuss resources to help you create a SRTS project in your own community. 
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