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PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
Observational surveys
conducted in 1994 showed that use of bicycle helmets by children
in Indiana was no more than five percent, pointing to a need
for bicycle safety training. Using funds from a Section 402 grant,
the state, in partnership with the Riley Hospital for Children,
developed a program to educate young bicyclists in riding skills
and traffic safety. The Riley Riders Bike Safety Smart Program
was highly successful, but demand for the program quickly exhausted
available resources. In addition, program administrators for
the bicycle safety program immediately recognized a need for
parallel training in pedestrian safety, thereby compounding the
problem of inadequate resources.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of the Riley
Riders and Striders Bike and Pedestrian Safety Smart Program
is to educate young bicyclists and pedestrians throughout the
state in riding skills and pedestrian safety. Objectives for
fulfilling the goal include:
- Locating a partner,
or partners, to serve as a resource for expansion and enhancement
of the existing bicycle training program
- Expanding the current
bicycle safety curriculum to include information and educational
modules on pedestrian safety
STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES
In late 1997, the Indiana
District of Kiwanis International joined with the hospital to
create a comprehensive children's program addressing areas of
critical need. The Kiwanis formed KIDS (Kiwanis in Direct Service)
for Riley, and selected bicycle and pedestrian safety education
as one of its areas in which to commit the talents and services
of its more than 10,000 members. The Bike Committee of KIDS for
Riley was aided in their efforts by the Wal Mart Association
and Sam's Club Partners to expand the successful Riley Riders
Program and create the Riley Riders and Striders Bike and Pedestrian
Safety Smart Program. Program activities include:
- Kiwanis members statewide
were appointed to serve as the driving force behind the new initiative
as Bike Safety Directors
- The Community Education
Department of the Riley Hospital for Children serves as a member
of the KIDS for Riley team and participates on the Bike Committee
- Each Bike Safety Director
receives bicycle and pedestrian training and is provided with
three "kits" to support training events and activities
- Kiwanis members raise
funds for purchasing bicycle helmets by selling $1 chances to
guess how many miles volunteers can ride a stationary bike during
Kiwanis events
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