Our Walk! Bike! Fun! (WBF) season is well underway! BikeMN educators didn’t let the snow stop them at a few recent trainings in Hopkins and Minneapolis. Utilizing our brand new WBF curriculum, BikeMN staff walked, biked, and rolled with educators for in-person training. The updated curriculum includes double the lessons of our previous version – 12 pedestrian and 12 biking-focused lessons adapted for each grade level. Educators had a blast exploring the activities and getting out on bikes. With each training, the Education Team teaches teachers and community educators about pedestrian and bicycle safety, Minnesota bike laws, Principles of Traffic, and bike fleets. These educators take their new skills, knowledge, confidence, and excitement back to their community’s and school’s kids and parents.
BikeMN is looking forward to continuing to support schools participating in our WBF program with ongoing technical assistance. BikeMN offers access to bike fleets (including a library of adaptive bikes), phone coaching, assistance on bike rides, and more. Technical assistance is a vital part of sustainable implementation of the WBF curriculum and BikeMN is honored to be available to provide support.
“Students look forward to the bike unit all year long, and it has a positive impact on the classroom and on students’ lives,” said Kyle Hansen, District Program Facilitator, Physical Education and Health. “Gaining bike skills helps students experience the beauty of Minneapolis, the adventure of bicycling, and the joy found in this healthy, affordable, and sustainable activity.”
The WBF season has started off strong with a winter training in Hopkins and two spring trainings in Minneapolis. In April, we completed two trainings in LaPorte and delivered educator, ambassador, and maintenance trainings in Grand Marais. We have a busy season ahead of us with trainings in Dakota County, Saint Paul, Chisago County (angela’s hometown!), and Brooklyn Center. WBF continues to connect and collaborate with schools and organizations across Minnesota to provide quality bicycle and pedestrian education training. It has been extremely rewarding and thrilling to hear from teachers with students, and kids and families–all walking and riding more. The result is healthier and happier people!
Check out some of the photos from our recent training across Minnesota below! Be sure to stay tuned for more information about fall host applications.
