Bike Rodeo pedals safe routes to school

July is Nevada Moves Month, according to the Nevada Department of Transportation.

The first day of school in Douglas County isn’t until Aug. 21, but concern on getting students safely to schools is the focus of a plan being prepared by Western Nevada Safe Routes to Schools.

Things were fairly quiet at a June 17 Bike Rodeo at Heritage Park, according to Main Street Director Jen Nalder, who recognized there were a lot of things happening.

“Unfortunately, with graduation weekend and the other big events we had a smaller turnout than hoped but will be looking at the calendars to bring it back again with better timing for perhaps a back to school event,” she said.

Nalder had high praise for Western Nevada Safe Routes to Schools who helped pull the event together.

“They did a great job pulling the event together,” she said. “They gave away some helmets and did fittings, hosted the obstacle course to teach biking techniques, stopping and hand signals.

Big Daddy’s bike &. Brew and Wind Wheels were there doing bike inspections and tune up.”

Safe Routes organizer Scott Bohemier said the program is working with Douglas schools, along with Carson, Lyon and Storey counties.

“We’ve talked to all the principals and administrators, and had a parent survey out,” he said. “We’re looking at the safety for a two-mile radius of each school. We’re about halfway through. We’ve gone out and collected data for the schools on drop-off and pickup times.”

Consultant Amy Cummings said project’s focus is on places where children cross streets.

“We had a big emphasis on crosswalks because that’s where a lot of crashes tend to happen nationwide,” she said. “We looked at the types of crosswalks we have, the signage, and whether they are in the best location. Input from the schools has been tremendous.”

The safe route to schools plan is expected to be wrapped up in September and will be presented to the school board, and will be on the website at engageparametrix.com/douglassrts. A survey on the routes wrapped up on June 23, but anyone interested can send comments to douglassrts@parametrix.com

“The schools hope secure funding to get some of these projects implemented,” Bohemier said. “We’re also looking at safety assemblies and walking to school days to try and encourage the kids to bike to school.”