On Wednesday 6 October 2010 Santa Monica will wake up to the first city-wide Bike It Day. In previous years each school had its own bike and walk to school day, - but because of the success and popular demand, the event is now conducted city wide, and other local institutions, employers, schools and colleges are encouraged to join in and leave the car at home.
In preparation for the event the district PTSA is sponsoring two bicycle workshops on Saturday 26 September and 2 November. These workshops are conducted by Sustainable Streets and aimed mainly for an adult audience. Parents are encouraged to bring their children (age 10 -15) and teachers and school staff are especially welcome.
You want to bike more and become a more confident cyclists. You want to help your children to cycle more safely. Join us for a free Bike Skills Workshop for parents, teachers and students in Santa Monica SMMUSD. Free workshops will be held on Saturday, Sep 25 at 1 pm at Lincoln Middle School and again on Saturday, Oct 2 at1 pm at John Adams Middle School in Santa Monica. Please bring bike and helmet. Snacks and bike pins will be provided. To register for the workshop please email michael.cahn@sustainablestreetsla.org
The invitation is here and here (smaller format)
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Bikes on Display
Now we are planning an experimental session to compare the effectiveness of hair gel and normal bike helmets. Just to
Monday, June 7, 2010
Free Middle School Cycling Class at JAMS June 7
Don't miss this free cycling class at John Adams Middle School, , just in time for Bike to School Day at JAMS on June 10. Meet outside Room 83 at 3:15, with bike and helmet. Helmets will be available for sale for $10--remember, they are required by CA law for cyclists under age 18. Be ready for Bike to School Day on Thursday. Learn great tips for urban cycling, and hear about bike accidents and how to avoid them. Taught by Michael Cahn and Ron Durgin of Sustainable Streets, both Licensed Cycling Instructors with the League of American Bicyclists and experienced youth cycling instructors. For more info, email velocipedus@gmail.com.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
The Bicycle Revolution at Ocean Park
This document has come to our attention in June 2010. It dates back to 2008 (?) and is certainly worth some attention. It should be noted that back then the proposal did not receive an answer. But the times they are a'changin.
Katherine Iglis
Attn: Julie Eizenberg, Architect
Re: Sustainability Proposal for John Adams
GOALS: To implement a sustainability program at John Adams in accordance with the BB requirement, to alleviate the school's traffic and parking problems, to improve the school’s effectiveness, to invigorate and unify the school community.
PROPOSAL: Transform John Adams into a Cycling-Centric School by altering the campus as necessary and developing a PRO-CYCLING curriculum. Provide the necessary infrastructure, incentives and equipment (loaner bikes and safety equipment if necessary) to get students, staff and parents to embrace cycling as an integral part of daily life.
A NATURAL FIT: John Adams’ central location, benign climate and flat terrain make it an ideal cycling destination. Likewise, the age of its students provides an ideal opportunity. Pre-teens and teens are able to ride responsibly and crave the freedom and independence that cycling provides. Forming cycling habits now can benefit them for years to come – steering them (and their parents!) away from dependence on the automobile.
HOW TO: Make use of and expand upon the recently installed bike lanes along Ocean Park Blvd. Develop our own “Safe Paths to School” program where certain routes are designated with appropriate signs and traffic controls making them safe for cyclists. Establish a secure and accessible “Bike Zone” on campus. Possibly even convert 16th St. between Ocean Park Blvd. and Pearl St. to a Bikes-Only Zone feeding John Adams as well as Will Rogers Elementary and Santa Monica College. Basically, establish JAMS as a neighborhood cycling hub.
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS: Increased cycling would reduce traffic, emissions, fuel consumption, parking problems and pedestrian danger. Rather than battling the City for more street parking or consuming more of the campus with asphalt, existing parking lots could be converted back into usable green space. The City, local businesses, and local environmental groups could help support the program by providing sponsorship, grants and other incentives.
FITNESS BENEFITS: Cycling improves cardiovascular health, strength and endurance while boosting endomorphins, staving off depression and controlling weight gain. Students would arrive at school more alert and ready to learn after a brisk ride. Adults who cycle would also benefit while providing the students with positive role models. Electric, motor-assisted bikes or scooters could be provided for handicapped or elderly members of the school community. Lastly, since John Adams already has a system of two sets of books, heavy backpacks would not impede the student riders.
ACADEMIC BENEFITS: Cycling could be incorporated into the curriculum with lessons on aerodynamics, hydraulics, bike engineering, bike mechanics and design. This could be further reinforced with cycling day trips, field trips and retreats. A cycling coach could be employed and a cycling team started. Bike “shop” could be offered as an elective giving students hands-on experience fixing, maintaining and assembling bikes.
EMOTIONAL BENEFITS: Cycling develops independence and self-esteem among young teens when they need it most. Rather than depending on their parents or the public bus for transportation, middle school students would feel empowered and exhilarated navigating their way around town on a bike.
SOCIAL BENEFITS: Cycling is fun and promotes camaraderie. Sponsor school cycling clubs such as a Mountain Biking Club, a Road Biking Club, a Beach Cruiser Club, a Trick-bike Club, a Bike Maintenance Club and host a bike design competition. Participation in these clubs could be rewarded with Academic, PE, or community service credit.
NEIGHBORHOOD BENEFITS: Bike routes used by students could also be used by others in the neighborhood. The school bike repair “Shop” could also be open to the local community. Students could operate the shop, gain work experience and/or community service hours all while benefiting the community and possibly raising money for the program.
INSPIRATIONAL WEBSITES:
Celebrating Cycling
Fun Fast Fit
Community Cycling Center
Katherine Iglis
Attn: Julie Eizenberg, Architect
Re: Sustainability Proposal for John Adams
GOALS: To implement a sustainability program at John Adams in accordance with the BB requirement, to alleviate the school's traffic and parking problems, to improve the school’s effectiveness, to invigorate and unify the school community.
PROPOSAL: Transform John Adams into a Cycling-Centric School by altering the campus as necessary and developing a PRO-CYCLING curriculum. Provide the necessary infrastructure, incentives and equipment (loaner bikes and safety equipment if necessary) to get students, staff and parents to embrace cycling as an integral part of daily life.
A NATURAL FIT: John Adams’ central location, benign climate and flat terrain make it an ideal cycling destination. Likewise, the age of its students provides an ideal opportunity. Pre-teens and teens are able to ride responsibly and crave the freedom and independence that cycling provides. Forming cycling habits now can benefit them for years to come – steering them (and their parents!) away from dependence on the automobile.
HOW TO: Make use of and expand upon the recently installed bike lanes along Ocean Park Blvd. Develop our own “Safe Paths to School” program where certain routes are designated with appropriate signs and traffic controls making them safe for cyclists. Establish a secure and accessible “Bike Zone” on campus. Possibly even convert 16th St. between Ocean Park Blvd. and Pearl St. to a Bikes-Only Zone feeding John Adams as well as Will Rogers Elementary and Santa Monica College. Basically, establish JAMS as a neighborhood cycling hub.
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS: Increased cycling would reduce traffic, emissions, fuel consumption, parking problems and pedestrian danger. Rather than battling the City for more street parking or consuming more of the campus with asphalt, existing parking lots could be converted back into usable green space. The City, local businesses, and local environmental groups could help support the program by providing sponsorship, grants and other incentives.
FITNESS BENEFITS: Cycling improves cardiovascular health, strength and endurance while boosting endomorphins, staving off depression and controlling weight gain. Students would arrive at school more alert and ready to learn after a brisk ride. Adults who cycle would also benefit while providing the students with positive role models. Electric, motor-assisted bikes or scooters could be provided for handicapped or elderly members of the school community. Lastly, since John Adams already has a system of two sets of books, heavy backpacks would not impede the student riders.
ACADEMIC BENEFITS: Cycling could be incorporated into the curriculum with lessons on aerodynamics, hydraulics, bike engineering, bike mechanics and design. This could be further reinforced with cycling day trips, field trips and retreats. A cycling coach could be employed and a cycling team started. Bike “shop” could be offered as an elective giving students hands-on experience fixing, maintaining and assembling bikes.
EMOTIONAL BENEFITS: Cycling develops independence and self-esteem among young teens when they need it most. Rather than depending on their parents or the public bus for transportation, middle school students would feel empowered and exhilarated navigating their way around town on a bike.
SOCIAL BENEFITS: Cycling is fun and promotes camaraderie. Sponsor school cycling clubs such as a Mountain Biking Club, a Road Biking Club, a Beach Cruiser Club, a Trick-bike Club, a Bike Maintenance Club and host a bike design competition. Participation in these clubs could be rewarded with Academic, PE, or community service credit.
NEIGHBORHOOD BENEFITS: Bike routes used by students could also be used by others in the neighborhood. The school bike repair “Shop” could also be open to the local community. Students could operate the shop, gain work experience and/or community service hours all while benefiting the community and possibly raising money for the program.
INSPIRATIONAL WEBSITES:
Celebrating Cycling
Fun Fast Fit
Community Cycling Center
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Lincoln Confident Cycling Class Wed June 2nd
Get set for Lincoln's Bike to School Day on June 8 at a free and fun after school class where you'll practice quick stops and turns, learn how to ride safely on city streets, and get tips on bike and helmet fit and picking safe routes to school.
Confident Cycling meets June 2nd at 3:15 at the Lincoln bike racks near the basketball courts off California Ave. To enroll, contact Michael Cahn, LCI at velocipedus@gmail.com. Bring your bike and helmet!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Bike To School Days in Santa Monica
It is June, and Santa Monica is cycling again. The diary for the current bike to school events features:
Monday 7 June: Bike It Day at SAMOHI, organized by Samohi Solar Alliance, Confident Cycling Education scheduled for 1 and 3 June after school
Tuesday 8 June: Lincoln Middle School, Confident Cycling Education scheduled for Wednesday 2 June after school, meet at bike racks, snacks will be provided
Thursday 10 June: John Adams Middle School, Confident Cycling Education scheduled for Monday 7 June after school, room 83, snacks will be provided
Friday 11 June 10:00 am - 12:00 noon, SMASH Middle School, Confident Cycling Education event.
Bicycle education will be offered by League Certified Bicycle instructors. If you want to assist at any of these events or have questions, please contact velocipedus@gmail.com. Parents are most welcome to attend all these events.
Monday 7 June: Bike It Day at SAMOHI, organized by Samohi Solar Alliance, Confident Cycling Education scheduled for 1 and 3 June after school
Tuesday 8 June: Lincoln Middle School, Confident Cycling Education scheduled for Wednesday 2 June after school, meet at bike racks, snacks will be provided
Thursday 10 June: John Adams Middle School, Confident Cycling Education scheduled for Monday 7 June after school, room 83, snacks will be provided
Friday 11 June 10:00 am - 12:00 noon, SMASH Middle School, Confident Cycling Education event.
Bicycle education will be offered by League Certified Bicycle instructors. If you want to assist at any of these events or have questions, please contact velocipedus@gmail.com. Parents are most welcome to attend all these events.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Johnny Depp to offer City Cycling Class
Bike It Day is on 10 March 2010. To make everybody safe on the road, Johnny Depp (really?) should be offering a free City Cycling Class at SAMOHI: Monday 8 March 2010 after school, at 3:30, room T 109, and again on Tuesday, same time and same location. Please bring your bike and a friend.
The class (1 hr) will highlight the most important ways to stay safe on your bike. City Cycling Science can help everybody to deal with traffic, and how to avoid these painful crashes or aggressive encounters, often really intimidating. Johnny Depp knows you can pedal your bike, now it's time to go on to the second level.
The room is in the Technology Building, next to the North parking lot, accessible from the alley which runs between Michigan and Olympic. If you have problems finding the room, and have any other questions, please call 310 752 3177
The class (1 hr) will highlight the most important ways to stay safe on your bike. City Cycling Science can help everybody to deal with traffic, and how to avoid these painful crashes or aggressive encounters, often really intimidating. Johnny Depp knows you can pedal your bike, now it's time to go on to the second level.
The room is in the Technology Building, next to the North parking lot, accessible from the alley which runs between Michigan and Olympic. If you have problems finding the room, and have any other questions, please call 310 752 3177
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