A cohort of trainees from around the state learns to deliver critical info while leading a How We Roll ride, at our Columbus-based training.
In March, we trained 16 people from throughout Ohio—Dayton, Cleveland, Fremont, Marietta, Columbus, Waverly, Lima and Massillon—to deliver How We Roll and Ride Buddy rides to members of their communities. The 3-day trainings, which occurred in Columbus and Fremont, were funded by the Ohio Department of Health as part of their commitment to promoting active transportation in Ohio. An additional 9 people were trained in August of 2016 to lead commuter-oriented educational rides, the "Yay Way!". Participants were planners, advocates, public health professionals, engineers and more. All = total badass rock stars.
A trainee practices leading a How We Roll ride through the University District.
With 3 commuter ride leader trainings in the span of 6 months, it's clear that Ohio has gotten real when it comes to promoting active transportation, and bicycling in particular. Having 25 people trained to lead educational rides throughout the state represents a massive surge in our capacity to transition people from driving motor vehicles to riding bicycles. More importantly, it represents a shift in the way our leadership is thinking about—and investing in—bicycle education. Gone are the days in which print materials were the beginning and end of our education campaigns! As Yay Bikes! has always insisted, bicycle education works when people teach people how to navigate traffic by bicycle. Now, we are proud to note that our expertise in this area is being employed to enact uniquely effective "mode shift" programming statewide. And we are very proud of the people who completed our extremely rigorous, mentally and physically challenging training, knowing they will be a great service to Ohio in the years to come.
A cohort of trainees from around the state practices delivering critical info while leading a How We Roll ride, at our Fremont-based training. Photo credit: Nelson Shogren
Remember, Yay Bikes! now offers members a FREE How We Roll ride—we are here to help you sharpen your road riding skills and ride more confidently than ever before. Check for upcoming rides and register today! Not a member? Join today! Not in Columbus? Hit us up and we'll put you in touch with one of our new ride leaders.
A vast and mighty army is at the ready, waiting for you to take the leap into your fabulous bike life. 3...2...1...JUMP!
