KANSAS CITY –– The Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation plans to roll out the BikeMobile; a mobile bicycle education station.
They have the bikes, they have the educators, they have the will.
But they need a vehicle.
“The BikeMobile’s maiden voyage will be this fall when we begin our Bicycle Lesson and Safety Training (BLAST) in the Kansas City area,” says Brent Hugh, the federation’s executive director. “BLAST is a three-hour, in-class, on-bike skills and safety training for 5th and 6th graders.”
With a new spin on the famed Bookmobile, the Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation is looking for a van, box truck, school bus, ambulance or paddy wagon to convert into the BikeMobile. The mobile bike safety station will allow trained volunteers to travel around the state providing bike skills training to elementary and middle school students.
The group hopes an individual or business will donate the vehicle.
With generous donations and grant money, the BikeMobile will offer the use of a fleet of bicycles, helmets and tools to young riders for the skills training.
“Thanks to a MoDOT Safe Routes to School grant, MoBikeFed has a target of hitting 10 schools in the KC metro area with BLAST. We have funding for instructors, a coordinator, equipment, bikes and helmets. We just need the truck to complete the puzzle!” Hugh adds.
The Federation plans to expand the BikeMobile’s reach throughout the state in 2011.
To donate your vehicle or money to the BikeMobile project visit: www.MoBikeFed.org/BikeMobile
The Missouri Bicycle Federation is a coalition of bicycling, walking, running, and trails organizations and businesses representing over 25,000 Missourians and speaking for the 2 million Missourians who bicycle regularly and the 5.8 million who walk.
