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Bicycle Safety Education Program in the Schools
"Bicycles are the first vehicles most of us drive."  
Dr. Mark Wheeler teaches bike safety to students
 BSEP Application Form
Since 2000, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine has been contracted by the Maine Department of Transportation to teach the Bicycle Safety Education Program in schools across Maine, and we have taught over 80,000 students statewide! A BCM Bicycle Safety Instructor spends a day with each school giving a series of 45-60 minute classroom presentations. Bringing in their own bicycle, helmet, and the BCM's refined curriculum, the instructors review:
- Correct helmet fit and use with the "Ears, Eyes and Mouth Test."
- Dressing safely
- How to do the "ABC Quick Check" on your bike
- Rules and laws and safe bike driving
Scott Arndt Teaches Bike Safety
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The program, which serves K-8, is aimed primarily at 4th- and 5th-grade students (9- to 11-year-olds) to teach them about bicycling safety before they enter the highest risk age of 12 to 15 years old.
In addition to the presentation, students are given a copy of the Be a Safe Bike Driver handout, which offers children tips on how to practice with their parents, as well as a Share the Road brochure for parents with safety tips for both bicyclists and motorists.
Each school has a designed School Bike Safety Coordinator who helps to reinforce the safety message throughout the school year. School Coordinators learn how to check helmet for correct helmet fit, and receive additional safety materials and resources, including the opportunity to purchase discounted helmets through the Maine Coalition for Safe Kids.
For more information on the Bicycle Safety Education Program, contact the BCM at 207-623-4511 or email info@BikeMaine.org.
More information:
Web Site Features Tips for Kids
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine has several "Kid's Pages" with all sorts of great info about how kids can have more fun by being safe bike drivers and walkers.
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Parent's Bike-Buying Guide
A new bike for a child is like a right of passage. It is also important that the new bicycle be in good working order and of the right size. The BCM has developed information to help address key safety and fit checks to do with your kids.
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Feedback from the Schools!
"Your program was outstanding! The handouts were excellent and used as a reading lesson and homework was given involving the parents. All in all, this was a most worthwhile activity! We would like to do this again and again. Thank you very, very much."
-- C. Stachowiak & B. Wilson at the Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick
"The presentation was informative in an appealing manner. The ABC Quick Check was especially valuable and something the children can easily apply. Thanks for an informative and enjoyable presentation."
-- Mr. Keniston, Mayo Middle School, Dover-Foxcroft
"Energized presentation, had the kids very focused and redirected comments with humor. Awesome job and totally educational. I'm looking forward to NEXT YEAR!"
-- Mrs. Damon, Trenton Elementary
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"Excellent! We usually talk about bike safety in class but actually having a biker visit held the students' interest and they got much more out of it. This is so important for this age group to hear stories about safe biking, family outings, trips, etc. The kids seem to center so much on stunts and tricks. I hope this will be an annual visit; it's so valuable!
-- Mrs. Sanders, North Orrington School
"Great speaker! Students were very focused and interested throughout! Entertaining, but very effective and informative lesson! Students think he is "cool" and enjoyed this presentation! Come again anytime!
-- Mrs. Desjardins, West Bath School
"The presentation was excellent! The material was age appropriate and held the students' attention. The presenter was clear and concise and had great visuals. The handouts were great too! Thanks for coming!
-- Mrs. Kleinkopf, Edgecomb Eddy School
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Better Bicycling in Maine Since 1992
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