This project will provide comprehensive cycling and road safety training to middle school students in the Capital Region, combining classroom learning with practical on-bike sessions. The curriculum includes traffic rules, bike handling skills, and concludes with a neighbourhood road ride, emphasizing inclusivity by providing bikes and helmets to all. Ride the Road aims to elevate road safety awareness among young, vulnerable road users, targeting about 250 students from SD61 and the WSANEC school district.
The need for in-school cycling education to improve road safety is emphasized in several provincial reports. First, the B.C Community Road Safety Tool kit recommends pedestrian and cycling training to ensure young people learn the necessary skills to cross and use the road safely. To fulfill this recommendation, the Ride the Road program begins with classroom discussions on pedestrian and bike safety and a lesson on traffic rules for cyclists. It culminates in a guided neighborhood ride, allowing students to practice navigating common traffic scenarios and hazards such as left- and right-hand turns, four-way stops, cycling alongside parked cars, and multi-use trails. This education supports Vision Zero's Safe System Approach, where four elements (safe speeds, safe roads, safe vehicles, and safe road users) interact with one another to minimize the risk of fatal or serious injury. The Safe System approach inherently places a priority on bicyclists, who are at higher risk of fatal or serious injury than a person in a motor vehicle. Our comprehensive education is intended to function as a piece of the Safe System, developing safe road users to complement ongoing road safety improvements.
With youth aged 15 to 18 at a higher risk of road-related fatalities, our program proactively targets younger middle school students. This strategic approach ensures that a larger number of youth acquire essential safety skills early on, fostering safer habits as they grow more independent. By focusing on this younger demographic, our program not only addresses the immediate safety concerns but also invests in the long-term development of responsible road users. This initiative aligns perfectly with Vision Zero's goals of reducing traffic-related casualties and fostering safe, inclusive road environments. Through comprehensive education and practical experiences, Ride the Road contributes to a safer, more conscientious community of cyclists, ultimately supporting the broader vision of safer roads for all.
Photo source: Pixabay. Photo is shown for illustration purposes only and may not be an accurate representation of the project.
