{"id":11547,"date":"2012-06-20T10:00:34","date_gmt":"2012-06-20T17:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/spacingvancouver.ca\/?p=11547"},"modified":"2013-01-21T07:10:30","modified_gmt":"2013-01-21T15:10:30","slug":"right-to-bike-youth-cycling-education-framework-a-velo-city-preview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/spacing.ca\/vancouver\/2012\/06\/20\/right-to-bike-youth-cycling-education-framework-a-velo-city-preview\/","title":{"rendered":"Right to Bike youth cycling education framework (Velo-city Preview Part 1!)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

As more and more people take up cycling as their choice form of transportation, there are seemingly more and more interpretations to the rules of the road.\u00a0 Right now this is largely due to a lack of standardized training that can be held up as common knowledge.\u00a0 Lisa Slakov and the BC Cycling Coalition are looking to remedy this situation by implementing such a program in British Columbia.\u00a0 The project is called Right to Bike: A provincial youth cycling education framework<\/em> and its aim is to implement a province wide standard for you cycling education.<\/p>\n

This framework is extremely important for preparing a new generation of cyclists for the road.\u00a0\u00a0 The UK\u2019s Bikability<\/em> program<\/a> is one such standard that has proven to be very successful within a formal and familiar governmental system.\u00a0 It consists of a three level approach that is taught to children based on their age.\u00a0 The BC Cycling Coalition<\/a> hopes to model their program after the Bikability<\/em> system because of its completeness and proven success.\u00a0 There are other models out there and programs run by small private groups, but the Bikability<\/em> model is the best in terms of the scale that the program hopes to take.<\/p>\n

The Right to Bike<\/em> program is in its early stages, but already there is a lot of interest from groups such as the City of Vancouver, the Vancouver School Board, ICBC, Translink, the BC Lung Association and numerous other advocacy and transportation groups. Despite this support<\/em> there is still a long way to go before is becomes a province wide standard, however.\u00a0 Both more support and consultation with these organizations so the standard can be meaningful, is required.<\/p>\n

The first step is to do a preliminary adaptation of a cycling education model like Bikability<\/em> to see how it could be adapted for the British Columbian context. From there, a standards manual could be developed, and a pilot project introduced and evaluated.\u00a0 Much of the stakeholders, interest groups and groundwork has already been identified.\u00a0 The BC Cycling Coalition hopes to have a demonstration project running by the end of 2012.<\/p>\n

The importance of having a well-defined cycling education system is paramount.\u00a0 As more cyclists hit the road and municipalities begin to recognize and address this in their transportation plans, programs like Right to Bike<\/em> become a need and an asset. There are already well-defined levels and training for auto users and having a similar well-defined and ubiquitous training for cyclists would reduce road conflict and increase health and safety to make cycling a more attractive and viable option for everyday travel.<\/p>\n

As a youth-focused initiative, the BC Cycling Coalition hopes that the program will become as well-known, and as much a part of of growing up, as swimming lessons with the Red Cross. This organization and level system has worked for years and is widely known as a comprehensive and necessary physical education with its mixture of fitness and safely curriculum.<\/p>\n

The BC Cycling Coalition believes that the climate is perfect for Right to Bike<\/em>.\u00a0 The political landscape in the lower mainland is bike-friendly and progressive.\u00a0 There is much interest among various government and transportation agencies.\u00a0 In the long term\u2014and after successful demonstration projects\u2014municipalities all over the province will be able to adopt the program.<\/p>\n

The Velo-City conference<\/a> next week in Vancouver will bring together active transportation and cycling professionals from all over the world.\u00a0 It will be an excellent venue to show case this program and garner more support and insight. To learn more about the Right to Bike<\/em> program watch for Lisa Slakov and the BC Cycling Coalition presentation on Wednesday afternoon of the conference.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

For more information visit the following websites:<\/p>\n