An innovative and proven school-based program teaches fifth graders the skills and knowledge required for safe and effective cycling. BLAST is developed by bicycle education professionals and reviewed by educators and parents.

BikeWalkKC's trained instructors, assisted by the school's PE teachers, deliver three hours of class time. Each course includes classroom instruction and on-bike riding skills. Students practice bicycling in a controlled environment. Bicycles and helmets are provided for a limited number of students (we urge the school to encourage students to bring their own bikes and helmets). We provide all other equipment and instructors for the program.

Core Concepts

• Confidence
• Safety
• Skill

Goals

• Improved bicycle handling skills
• Proficiency of basic traffic skills
• Identification & avoidance of hazard

Availability

We are now taknig applications for summer programs and the fall 2013 semester. BLAST is most successful in schools with a strong committment to sustaining bicycling and walking programs and culture that supports biking and walking to school.

Apply Now for schedule and pricing information.

Why is BLAST important?

Cycling provides many benefits both to the individual and the community. There are wide-reaching social, economic and environmental impacts of utilitarian cycling, and it is also a growing form of recreation and fitness.  However, most cyclists (children and adults) are unaware of the laws and conventions that govern cycling on public byways and lack formal training in safe riding skills.

BLAST is a primer for students to gain an understanding of how to safely operate a bicycle in a variety of situations. The class aims to produce cyclists who ride safely and skillfully. By inviting BLAST into the classroom, PE teachers are providing their students with a formal education on an important topic and helping to create an educational culture that values cycling as a basic life skill.

Participating Schools

Since Fall 2012 BLAST has served almost 1,200 students in 12 schools and four districts.

• Hickman Mills School District: Dobbs, Johnson, Truman, Warford.
• Kansas City Public Schools: James Elementary.
• North Kansas City: Briarcliff, Fox Hill, Maplewood, Meadowbrook, Northview
• KCK District: Frank Rushton Elementary, ME Pearson Elementary

BLAST is a partnership between BikeWalkKC and the Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation.