Painting a Safer Future: Safe Routes Philly at Universal Institute Charter School

Date: November 5, 2010
Neighborhood: South of South
Number of students: 100

Universal Institute Charter School (UICS), South of South Neighborhood Association (SOSNA), and The National Center for Safe Routes to School partnered together to create an intersection mural. The colorful mural is located at the intersection of 15^th and Catherine Streets. This may be the first of its kind in Philadelphia. Not only is it artfully done, but it also serves a purpose! The low-cost, high-visibility project alerts motorists to all forms, especially cars, to proceed with caution through the intersection. It also depicts the direction of travel for bicyclists and pedestrians.

For more information on the project, click here!

In the weeks approaching the day of the project, Safe Routes Philly was invited to teach bicycle safety to the 5^th and 6^th grade of Universal Institute Charter School.

At one point I had the room making beats with their hands and feet. Each side would alternate chanting “EYES EARS MOUTH!” (the motto for proper helmet fitting) and “ABC QUICK CHECK!” (an easy phrase to remember how to check your bike) Some students danced along with the music. It was a great day.

Special thanks goes out to UICS and SOSNA, especially Andrew Dalzell, Eve Lewis, and Zenobia Shah for helping to make it happen. Here’s to 100 more students who are now safer in the streets of Philadelphia!

Ride Safe,

~Cy

Photo Credits: Andrew Dalzell

Interested in creating an intersection mural or other related project in your neighborhood? The National Center for Safe Routes to School is a great resource to help you get started. Click here to learn more.

Would you like Safe Routes Philly at your school? Lessons are available for FREE to 5th grade classrooms in every Private, Parochial, and Charter School in Philadelphia! If you or someone you know would like us to visit a school, please contact Cy@bicyclecoalition.org. For public elementary schools, we've got a special program that will be coming to your school! Check out our website for more information.

Do you like working with kids? Interested in volunteering? Contact Cy@bicyclecoalition.org for more information!