Grant Application: Question #3

Please describe the project strategy:*

In the past, BikeTexas Wellness Rides have only been available to TxDOT employees. Now we would like to expand the Wellness Rides to include other state agencies, like the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Comptroller, and Capitol employees. Expanding to more agencies will allow BikeTexas to reach more state employees with the benefits of cycling, potentially improving the overall well-being of state employees, expanding the numbers of Texas cyclists, and convincing state employees of the need for improved conditions for cyclists around Texas.

BikeTexas will approach state agencies in Austin early in the year with the plan for Wellness Rides and the potential benefits, and ask them to participate. After securing their participation, BikeTexas will discuss potential timing for the rides with each agency's representative so that each agency can have two to three rides during the year, divided between the spring and autumn (the summer heat in Austin prevents us from doing Wellness Rides from mid-May until about mid-September).

BikeTexas will provide the agency with promotional materials to encourage signups for the rides. BikeTexas will also ask for each rider's experience level with signup so we can have extra staff on hand to assist any new or timid riders personally, and so we can be aware of the group's experience level when planning the route (usually three to six miles). For groups that have varying skill levels, BikeTexas may prepare two routes, one shorter and one longer, to accommodate all riders.

On the day of each ride, BikeTexas staff will bring bicycles and helmets to the agency. Riders will be fitted with a bike and helmet and then given a safety briefing, including a review of hand signals for turning and stopping and a review of vocal signals riders should use to alert one another of road hazards during the ride. During this time, any inexperienced riders will have the opportunity for a one-on-one riding session with a BikeTexas staff member in a quiet area to give them a chance to practice their skills before heading out.

Once all ride participants are comfortable with their bikes and have heard the safety briefing, the group will head out on the route. At least one BikeTexas staff member will lead the ride in front, and at least one will be in the very back. The staff member in the back also carries the first aid and tool kits in case either are needed during the ride. Other staff members ride along with ride participants, giving special attention to new riders.

Ride participants will have the option of keeping their water bottles, branded with a new Wellness Ride logo, at the end. BikeTexas would like to develop materials and resources that can be made available to ride participants, such as a brochure with tips for riding safely, printed cards with Texas bicycle laws printed on them, or resources for planning a ride to work.

If there is sufficient interest from participants and the agency, BikeTexas plans to host longer rides that include a stop for breakfast or lunch, depending on the time of day, thus showing participants firsthand how easy it is to ride for short, enjoyable trips that are also utilitarian in nature.