Applications are due February 13: BikeWalkKC and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment will award one Kansas school district with a Bicycle Lessons And Safety Training (BLAST) train-the-trainer program for Spring 2026!
BikeWalkKC developed BLAST in 2012, and the program has served over 69,000 youth in the Kansas City region. BikeWalkKC wants to expand BLAST to other parts of the state and we are looking for a school district who wants to partner with us to bring BLAST to its students.
The training will prepare physical education (PE) teachers on how to deliver the BLAST curriculum to 5th grade students in the district’s elementary schools and includes all necessary equipment and supplies.
How to apply
The person submitting the application must have the appropriate permissions to submit the request on behalf of the school district.
Questions? Email Laura: education@bikewalkkc.org.
Important dates
- Jan 19 - Feb 13: Applications may be submitted during this time period.
- Feb 16-20: Application review and selection process
- Feb 23: Award announcement; all applicants will be notified of their status
BikeWalkKC is looking for a school district in Kansas that is
- Supportive of active transportation initiatives and programs
- Motivated to independently run an annual bicycle safety program
- Willing to invest time and staff to professional development focused on bicycle safety programs
- In lieu of formal reporting requirements, will share successes, challenges, and constructive feedback about the BLAST program
- Willing to foster relationships with volunteers/local bike mechanics OR invest staff time into professional development to acquire mechanical knowledge for servicing program bicycles
- Willing to collaborate with BikeWalkKC to identify specific age group for program delivery
- Willing to maintain equipment that is safe for kids to use
Ideal candidates
- Participated in active transportation events and initiatives (i.e. Walk to School Day/ Bike to School Day/ Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day)
- Can serve the entire grade level across the district/elementary schools
- Have access to a large, relatively flat paved area for course set up or can make use of large, indoor space during inclement weather
- Can provide secure space for equipment storage
About the BLAST curriculum
- 4 sessions
- Geared to 5th grade level
- Deliverable indoors or outdoors
- Focus is on riding bicycles for transportation
Equipment provided
- 32 youth bicycles of various sizes
- 40 helmets of various sizes
- Spare parts (tubes, grips, etc)
- Mechanic starter kit + floor pump
- 7’x14’ covered trailer
- Wheel, door and hitch locks
Please note that the school district will need to provide a suitable vehicle for the hauling trailer.
