Idaho Walk Bike Alliance works directly with students of all ages to teach safe walking and cycling. We tailor educational programs to the age, grade, and community needs of students so Idaho children can navigate their neighborhoods safely.
We have two significant pilot programs in place that we think will pave the way for cycling and walking safety programs throughout Idaho. First, our Youth Active Transportation Safety program is a joint effort between IWBA, the Governors Highway Safety Association and the Idaho Office of Highway Safety. IWBA secured a $25,000 grant from the National Road Safety Foundation to teach middle school students how to be more aware of road conditions, especially when walking and cycling. As this age group will soon be driving, we think this programming will lead to better drivers and safer streets.
We’re showcasing our Safe Routes Ambassador program in three Idaho communities in the fall of 2024. We are using the acclaimed Safe Routes To School curriculum to educate students in grades K – 12 in Wendell, Shoshone, and Clark County school districts. We’ll also be training one person as a Safe Routes Ambassador in each of those communities to teach Safe Routes and encourage success. That way, the local Ambassadors can create safety programming that fits the needs of each school and community. Once the ambassadors have completed a year of training and lead the program under the supervision of our education specialists, we will leave all the supplies needed to continue the program, so each community can continue to encourage students to bike and walk and teach them active transportation safety.
We need your support to continue these great programs. Please join us in our education work. If you’d like to volunteer to help teach bike/ped safety or sponsor a YATS or Safe Routes program in your community, call us at 208-870-1633, email us at info@idahowalkbike.org, or contact us through our website form.