Children enjoying a bike rodeo

Youth Education

Education is at the heart of what we do to make Maine better for people walking and biking. We offer programs for all ages and abilities—we want to support Mainers recreating outside and choosing active transportation.

Classroom Presentations

30-50 min. interactive presentations for schools, YMCAs, scout troops, etc. Learn how to be a safe walker, safe bike driver, and for older students, how to drive safely near vulnerable users. Advocacy workshops (e.g. walking audits) also available upon request.

Bike Safety Rodeos

Have fun and learn safe bicycle-driving on a mock-traffic course! We’ll bring the course to your location so students can practice bike-handling skills and basic rules of the road on their pedal or balance bikes. **Bikes & helmets may be available. 

Fix-a-Bike

Bicycle mechanics and maintenance sessions teach students (4th grade and up) how to be their own mechanics! We’ll provide all the tools, students provide bikes to learn on.

Instructional Rides

During or after school, as part of a club or P.E. class, on or off of school grounds, one time or a series—you decide! Students will learn how to properly fit a helmet, conduct a pre-ride ABCQ check, ride within the law, and skills to avoid crashes and stay safe. 

Off-Road Bicycle Education

Riding off-road is a fantastic way to develop a lifelong appreciation for bicycling! Off-road riding skills also enhance on-road bicycle control and safety! We teach trail-riding skills and trail building—do you want trails at your school? Click here to learn more.

Walking School Buses & Bike Trains

Fun and low cost modes of school transportation! Students who walk or bike to school not only get the daily physical activity they need to be healthy, but studies also show that children who walk or bike also tend to perform better in school. Click here to learn more.

Maine Safe Routes to School Newsletter

Looking for current information and inspiration for youth education? Subscribe to our newsletter here.

**Schools and parents are highly encouraged to supply their own bikes & helmets for rodeos. Reach out to us if you have questions or would like advice regarding building your own fleet. The BCM has a limited capacity to bring loaner bikes and helmets to rodeo events. 

Upcoming Events › Education Events

The Bicycle Coalition of Maine stays busy with events all year round to connect with as many pedestrians and people on bikes as possible in a variety of ways. We seek to educate adults and children about bike/ped safety through presentations and courses, host interactive demonstrations that advocate for improvements to bike/ped infrastructure, provide valet bike parking at local events, and organize gatherings and group rides to raise awareness and enthusiasm about our mission.

The event calendar below lists our upcoming events and those hosted by our partners and supporters. Check it out, and join us as we strive to make Maine better for biking and walking!

Want to add your event to our calendar? Submit it here.

The 2024 Trek Across Maine

THE 40th ANNUAL TREK ACROSS MAINE:Join the American Lung Association for the 39th annual Trek Across Maine on Father’s Day Weekend – June 14-16, 2024. Choose our traditional 3-day, 180-mile […]

DEI Statement:

The Bicycle Coalition of Maine is committed to advancing our equity and inclusion efforts. The Coalition is prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in these focus areas: self-education, community engagement, advocacy, and events. We welcome community members and visitors of Maine—Wabanaki Territory—from all backgrounds to join the Coalition. Our most outstanding achievement will be that everyone who joins the Coalition or attends our events will feel respected and valued.

Bicycle Coalition of Maine