Ode to my Helmet

Each individual cyclist has their own respective bicycle taste, and everyone knows that a bicycle’s number one accessory is its helmet. Helmets come in many different varieties like road, mountain, commuter, skate, BMX, and downhill racing.

My helmet, a little retro Styrofoam number I found in the BCGP supply closet, could arguably fit into its own category. In the way that handlebar mustaches ride a fine line between stylishly retro and unattractive; my helmet is either hideous or awesome, depending on whom you ask.

My helmet, being a pretty large statement on its own, is also a colossal failure at accessorizing my brand new gold and white Fuji Cambridge. The juxtaposition between the two is little much for most people to handle, and often provokes comments like, “this helmet with that bicycle?” or just plain old “yikes”. Sure I could bite the bullet and go buy a fancy BMX helmet; I mean that was my plan from the moment I opened the supply closet door. But back in September, sometime within those months of riding back and forth to the 1500 Walnut, I got attached to the little guy.

Let’s face it, he’s been by my side this first year at the Bicycle Coalition, shining back at me through cold weather while facing regular criticism and ridicule. Even without the shine (its red plastic red cover recently fell off leaving it a white Styrofoam shell) I haven’t been able to let him go.

People who are familiar with Safe Routes Philly know that whatever the helmets’ color, shape, size, or type it has one sole purpose; to protect that smart brain of yours. That being said, the red plastic cover’s absence makes my helmet unsafe to ride with, and I’ve recently made the decision let the old guy go.

Instead of throwing “ole helmet” in the trash I’ve decided to give it a new life via make over. I’m asking the readers of this blog to help with ideas to “Pimp My Helmet” either by finding an alternate purpose for it (flower pot) or just making it look pretty (bedazzling). Seeing that I can only go up from a white Styrofoam shell, I plan on moving forward with the most worthy suggestion. Game on.

BICYCLE CAMPS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR PARTICIPANTS AND VOLUNTEERS

Lose the Training Wheels™, a program that teaches individuals with disabilities to independently ride a conventional two wheel bicycle, is now taking applications. Five-day camp sessions will take place August 8th– 12th, 2011 at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, Pa and in Bucks County at Holland Middle School in Holland, Pa.

Lose the Training Wheels, Inc. is a national nonprofit organization that uses adapted equipment, trained professionals and volunteers. With 75 minutes of daily instruction over five days, over 85% of the disabled campers learn to ride a conventional bicycle independently.

To be eligible to enroll, participants must be at least eight years old. They must have a disability but be able to walk without an assistive device such as a walker or cane and be able to side-step quickly to both sides. For a complete listing of criteria for eligibility and more information, visit www.losethetrainingwheels.org.

This is a wonderful and rewarding volunteer opportunity for anyone 16 years or older interested in dedicating 75 minutes each day over the 5 days of camp teaching a disabled person to ride a bike…. And you will get exercise from walking/jogging alongside your assigned camper!
Applications for camp participants along with payment will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis beginning immediately. Last year was the first year this great camp came to Philadelphia and the available spots filled up quickly. Cost of the camp is $200.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Saint Joseph’s University Camp: Jeffrey Sullivan via e-mail at lttwphilly@yahoo.com


Holland Middle School Camp: Marisa Pigeon or Deborah Stack via e-mail at lttwbucks@gmail.com or go to www.buckscountypeds.com.

New Bicycle and Pedestrian Curricula Guide Published by the Safe Routes to School National Partnership

The Safe Routes to School National Partnership is pleased to announce the release of a new publication called Bicycle and Pedestrian Curricula Guide: Making the Case for Bicycle and Pedestrian Youth Education.

The guide, created through a contract from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is intended to give Safe Routes to School practitioners, teachers, school administrators and others the necessary background information to fully understand the positive benefits of teaching bicycle and pedestrian education in the classroom, and to provide these audiences with easy access to currently available curricula. The guide and its accompanying inventory are organized into descriptive categories that will help in choosing the right curriculum for specific classroom needs.

The Safe Routes to School National Partnership's Bicycle and Pedestrian Curricula Guide: Making the Case for Bicycle and Pedestrian Youth Education was created through the help of several dozen bicycle and pedestrian education leaders from throughout the country, including our very own Safe Routes Philly team. If you were unable to submit your curriculum for review, you can fill out this form to have your curriculum added to an online database which will be updated periodically.

Safe Routes to School National Partnership

The Safe Routes to School National Partnership is a fast-growing network of more than 500 organizations, agencies, schools and professional groups working to set goals, share best practices, secure funding and inform agencies that implement Safe Routes to School. Our mission is to advocate for safe walking and bicycling to and from schools, and in daily life, to improve the health and well-being of America's children and to foster the creation of livable, sustainable communities. For more information, visit www.saferoutespartnership.org.

Traffic Skills 101 offered in Horsham, PA

2 session course: Saturday March 19th and April 2nd

Learn the basics about how to safely and confidently use your bike for transportation. Whether you are a current or prospective bike commuter, recreational rider, a touring or club cyclist, a parent who bikes with your family, or just want to get around town, you will enjoy cycling more when you know how to operate your bike smoothly in traffic. Class is open to anyone 16 years and older. Children ages 13-15 may attend for free with a parent/guardian.

For more information click here.