BikeWalkBG, the advocacy and education branch of the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO’s) bicycle and pedestrian program, is teaming up with Western Kentucky University (WKU), Warren County, the City of Bowling Green, and a number of community members to kick-off a bicycle safety and sustainability initiative. Funded entirely by external grants and donations awarded to WKU, this program will fund the training required for several WKU faculty/staff and members of the community to become certified cycling instructors. With this, the instructors will partner with WKU students and others to plan cycling events, host cycling classes, and go to neighborhoods, schools, and after-school/summer programs to teach basic cycling safety. This initiative will fill a large education gap for both the cycling community and the community at large. The program is intended to provide the necessary tools and resources to people of all ages and demographics, equipping them to be active and encouraging them to ride a bike. It is expected for this initiative to kick-off at the City’s Arbor Day celebration on Saturday, April 18th with a bike rodeo (skills course) for kids and short bike ride to follow. Mark your calendars now!
Another component of this program will come through additional grant funding from the state’s Paula Nye Memorial Grant. This grant funding will enable the purchase of an enclosed trailer that will be outfitted to house a mobile bike shop. The mobile bike shop will complement the trainers and enable “pop-up” bike shops in various neighborhoods, schools, or community events. Community members will be able to conduct basic bike maintenance with the assistance of more experienced bike mechanics. While the details of the program are still in the planning stages, we’re excited to share about the kick-off of this great community asset and educational program! Stay tuned to www.bikewalkbg.org, follow us on Facebook, and email any questions to info@bikewalkbg.org.