Who we are:
BikeSafe is a program from the University of Miami KiDZ Neuroscience Center, which is a part of the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. Our program is dedicated to prevention of brain and spinal cord injuries in children and adolescents. BikeSafe's missions are to prevent pediatric bicyclists hit-by-car through education, promote physical activity, and advocate for safer cycling environments.
By providing our educational curriculums within schools and parks - in addition to working with communities, government, and traffic safety partners - BikeSafe is able to take a holistic approach to injury prevention, using the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) 6E Model.
Engagement
We're listening to your community. Safe places aren't just achieved through infrastructure or education, they're achieved by listening to the needs and concerns of the community. We're here to hear you.
Equity
Bicycles themselves are a wonderful form of low-cost transit, but the bicycle itself is only a single part of a much larger systemic discussion: Mobility equity. For any Safe Routes program to succeed, it is necessary for cities to provide underprivileged communities with equal access to safe bicycle facilities (including protected bike lanes and bike share for adults), resources, and events.
Engineering
BikeSafe examines existing environments surrounding schools, assesses bicycle-hit-by-car (BHBC) crash data, and advocates for engineering improvements to promote safety.
BikeSafe serves as community liaisons by sitting on the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee of Miami-Dade County's Metropolitan Planning Organization and regularly attending School Board and regional Community Traffic Safety Team (CTST) meetings.
Encouragement
BikeSafe encourages students, teachers and the community to join our efforts and create healthy environments for our children. From community outreaches to Bike to School Day – BikeSafe is here to encourage you and your efforts to encourage healthy, active transportation.
Education
We provide online training and educational materials for physical education teachers and camp counselors.
Our on and off-bike curriculums contain all the necessary components of bicycle safety.
Evaluation
BikeSafe uses a variety of tools that collect information on curriculum implementation, walking and biking trends (including student modes of transportation), crash data, and parent attitudes on walking and biking. BikeSafe routinely collaborates with community partners to monitor the data and tailor efforts to meet the evolving needs of the community.
