Missouri Bicycle News Article

For those of you in the Kansas City metro area, please consider taking the training to become a bicycle and pedestrian Safety Ambassador.

For those of you in the rest of the state--this is a great program you might consider bringing to your area. So many "bike rodeos" are taught to children by instructors who have no idea of what is really the safe and proper way for children to bicycle.

The Mid-America Regional Council is pleased to announce the second Safety Ambassador recruitment. The program, developed by MARC and partner organizations, provides consistency in youth pedestrian and bicycling safety education across the region.

You could become one of the elite volunteers to join this exciting community initiative. Up to 30 new Safety Ambassadors will be trained for 2008. Individuals who are passionate about safety, have a commitment to building a better environment for walking and bicycling and enjoy working with children are encouraged to apply.

Ambassadors receive specialized training from instructors who have years of experience and a wealth of professional knowledge. These individuals work with schools and communities to educate children on how to be responsible pedestrians and bicyclists, giving them fundamental safety skills.

Since the Safety Ambassadors program began in June 2007:
* 17 Safety Ambassadors have been trained
* Nine regional events hosted Safety Ambassadors education sessions
* Nearly 1,000 children have learned safe bicycle and pedestrian practices from Safety Ambassadors
* Approximately 810 helmets were given to children as part of lessons on proper fitting techniques

If you are interested in becoming a Safety Ambassador, please fill out the online application by visiting www.marc.org/bikeped/safetyambassadors .

All Safety Ambassadors must pass a criminal background check. Certification requires a one-day training commitment. Ambassadors are also asked to participate in at least one community safety event per year to retain their certification.

Deadline for completed applications is February 22, 2008. Successful applicants will be notified in early March, and the training will take place on March 21, 2008.

Sincerely,
Aaron Bartlett, AICP
Bicycle/Pedestrian Transportation Planner
Mid-America Regional Council
600 Broadway, Suite 200
Kansas City, MO 64105
816.474.4240 :: fax 816.421.7758
Transportation Safety Planning :: Bicycle Pedestrian Program

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