THE MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY SCHOOL. Bike/Walk Program Inspiration and Experiences

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1 THE MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY SCHOOL Bike/Walk Program Inspiration and Experiences

2 THE MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY SCHOOL Charter school K-8, comprised of approximately 200 students Located in the mountains of Hendersonville, North Carolina Campus borders Jackson Park, a beautiful 212 acre green space utilized daily for outdoor education, field ecology, and athletic activities. INCREDIBLE BENEFIT for our school and Bike/Walk to School Events! Family involvement: School families commit to volunteering each month and help out in classrooms, the office, on school projects or on field trips. CREW is our program which is focused on community-building strategies. Meet every half day (usually once a month).

3 BIKE WALK TO SCHOOL DAY 2017 Advocates from Blue Ridge Cycling Club, Joe Sanders; Active Routes to School Coordinator, Mary Smith, Henderson County Parks and Recreation Program Supervisor, Laura Rice; and Principal of The Mountain Community School (TMCS), Denise Pesce started up the dialogue of organizing our first Bike/Walk to School Day Positioned for success close proximity to existing county park, greenways, active and interested parents, staff, & community leaders

4 OUR FIRST BIKE/WALK TO SCHOOL DAY EXPERIENCE

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7 PERMISSION SLIPS AND SAFETY ASPECTS Police escort Logistics dropoffs/bike storage Accountability for all Parent/staff support Safety/assembly program

8 THE BIKE/WALK TO SCHOOL DAY ASSEMBLY PROGRAM Laura Rice, Program Supervisor, HCPRD; Officer Robert Underwood, HCPD; Joe Sanders, BRBC, Mary Smith, Region 2 Active Routes to School Coordinator; Tricia King, Parent Volunteer

9 TMCS Walking Group at Jackson Park included pedestrians, students on scooters, and small wheeled cyclists that wanted a shorter route

10 TMCS cyclists Begins at The Curb Market : longer route through the city with police escort

11 Start at 7:30 to arrive at school just before 8am at the Curb Market Police escort through the city all the way to school in addition to having the park closed during 740-8am

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16 LOGISTICS: Where to store the bikes for the day?

17 SCHWINN BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY GIVEAWAY After the success of our first Bike/Walk to School Day and the amount of interest from parents, spurred the idea to apply for applying for giveaway. Won the giveaway which was 10 bikes and 10 helmets Prompted idea of Bike/Walk to School once a month or even more throughout the year. Also began dialogue of creating a CREW Bike Group which would meet once a month during CREW days and possibly an after school bike club.

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19 First BIKE CREW: Our local bike shop, Sycamore Cycles, and the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club s, mechanics/advocates volunteered their time to construct our 10 bicycles. Students learned about bicycle geometry and mechanics as well as safety aspects.

20 BIKE CREW Bike CREW meets once a month for 1 1/2 hours 10 students grades 6-8 Topics covered bicycle safety, bike maintenance (ABC Check Air, brakes, chain/crank -tires, seat, handlebar, etc) Explore trails in Jackson Park (group ride) Plan to go to Bike Park (Pump Track in Jackson Park) Train on different terrains (on road, uphill, downhill) Discuss benefits of cycling as a mode of transportation and exercise

21 TMCS BIKE/WALK TO SCHOOL DAY 2017/18 SCHOOL YEAR EVENTS Building on the momentum of our first bike/walk day success and the donation of bikes, we created a BIKE CREW and a monthly bike/walk to school event calendar Rotating locations for biking and the same location for walking idea that as cyclists become more comfortable we can try longer rides or more challenging terrain. Created an incentive program, if you participate in each event, you will be eligible for an end of year bike ride at Dupont State Forest (or similar) and celebration! LESSONS LEARNED!

22 First Bike/Walk Riding route for the 2017 School Year

23 Kickoff 2017 Fall Bike/Walk to School Day: New location - Patton Park to TMCS

24 THE OKLAWAHA GREENWAY JACKSON PARK

25 LESSONS LEARNED: Even though rider may be capable of riding a longer distance, the smaller wheeled cyclists may need to choose alternate/closer route

26 LESSONS LEARNED: Police escort may be necessary on some roads. We found we need a police escort when riding through the city in mass because it is considered a parade. Prepare for greenway closings after rainstorms and have alternate routes ready! The more parents/staff available the better!

27 LESSONS LEARNED: Flooding on greenway find alternate routes

28 LESSONS LEARNED: Establish a location to meet easy to park and leave cars Its dark in the early hours to school need headlamps or other lighting/clothing!

29 LESSONS LEARNED: Not always enough parents. Sometimes alternates required due to road/greenway closings. Need to talk about options prior so all riders are comfortable.

30 POSITIVE OUTCOMES: Lots of happy smiles and opportunities to help each other out and support each other Get to know your community! Practice bicycle safety skills! Stimulate the brain! Receive physical activity at the start of the day! Many parents and students say, I wish I could do this everyday!

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33 Bike/Walk to School Day Key Elements for Success Organizing parents/school teachers & staff/ local bike advocates Route choice: safe & realistic Keep momentum by organizing future rides more than once or twice a year Consider after school bike club if interest peaks Consider applying for grants for bike storage/bikes/helmets Schwinn Bike Giveaway (10 schools across US receive 10 bikes, 20 helmets!)