Upcoming Training Sessions: Safe Routes to School

Safe Routes to School is scheduling trainings for teachers and community professionals in Bradford, Columbia, Gilchrist, Levy, Putnam and Union counties. The purpose of the trainings is to teach those who work with children about bicycle and pedestrian safety. Attendees learn laws, safe practices, lessons, proper helmet fit, and how to set up a bicycle safety rodeo. Those who attend the training are able to reserve a trailer with 24 bicycles on it for safety events with students and the community.

Law enforcement officials, P.E. teachers, after-school programs, Boys/Girls club volunteers, recreation center employees, church group organizers and health department employees are all encouraged to attend the training sessions. Schedule a training! Please contact Morris Sherman, WellFlorida’s Safe Routes to School Coordinator, at MSherman@WellFlorida.org or by calling 352-313-6500 ext. 114.

Safe Routes to School is available to attend health and/or safety fairs to distribute and fit helmets to children, in addition to bringing the trailer and bicycles. We can also assist communities and schools in applying for infrastructure funding for projects within two miles of a school within our project’s counties. If a school or community organization believes that there is need for sidewalks, bike lanes, school zones, lamp posts, etc. within two miles of a school, she/he should contact Morris Sherman to assist in the application process.

Safe Routes to School aims to reduce the risk of diabetes, obesity and other health issues by encouraging children to walk or bike to school while also teaching them how to be alert in situations that involve pedestrian or bicycle safety. To learn more about SRTS, click here.

SRTS training session dates and locations will be posted here. Check frequently!