The BTA’s programs are a huge part of what we do, and we'd love your help -- get involved in a BTA program, and get on your bike!

Safe Routes to School

Safe Routes to School is an international effort to increase the number of kids walking and bicycling to school. The result: healthier kids and safer, more vital communities.

For more about the Safe Routes to School concept and program, go to our program website.

In partnership with the Willamette Pedestrian Coalition, the BTA develops, coordinates, and promotes Safe Routes to School program elements and provides technical advice and assistance for Oregon communities.

Bike Safety Education Classes

The BTA teaches courses in 4th-7th grade classrooms, meeting numerous curriculum benchmarks mandated by the state of Oregon. The Bicycle Safety Education Program brings resources into schools, including a trained instructor, a fleet of 30 bikes, helmets, brochures and pamphlets, safety vests, videos, and other equipment. The BTA also trains instructors, coordinates program logistics, and assists with fundraising and volunteer coordination.

Oregon Walk + Bike To School Day
and Encouragement Programs

Walk and Bike to School day is an international event on the first Wednesday in October each year. Over 3.6 million kids and adults participated worldwide in 2005, including over 10,500 in Oregon.  With major support from the Oregon Walk + Bike to School Committee, the BTA and Willamette Pedestrian Coalition help schools around the state to make this event a success.  Our ongoing encouragement efforts offer program activities and events for kids and parents to inspire them to walk and bike to school.

Pedestrian Safety Education Classes

Pedestrian safety is an integral component of the Safe Routes to School program.  The BTA serves as a partner to teach children and adults in the community how to share the responsibility of safety on community streets. We teach children through classroom activities and community walkabouts, and we reach community adults through neighborhood association, PTA and other meetings. Students learn to be responsible pedestrians who follow traffic rules and regulations. Adults learn what to expect in pedestrian areas, particularly in school zones and other areas where children tend to be.

Pedal Power Squads

Another integral part of the Safe Routes to School Program is our Pedal Power Squads, an after-school bike program providing students with the tools and the hands-on practice to become safe cyclists.  This program is designed to teach children over the age of nine to ride safely on urban streets and empower them to ride to and from school and to other destinations, through extensive on-bike practice, map reading skills, and education on the rights and responsibilities of being a cyclist.