Every day, as a concerned member of the Hillsborough County community and a devoted parent, my heart aches for the children who have suffered tragic outcomes on our roads. Too often, headlines recount harrowing incidents involving young cyclists struck by vehicles, enduring injuries, or even losing their lives—tragedies that might have been prevented with proper education and awareness surrounding bicycle safety.

This is a heartfelt call to the Hillsborough County Schools and local first responders to prioritize the implementation of e-bike programs and reinforce bicycle education throughout our schools. Bicycle education is not just an extracurricular activity; it is a necessity for the safety of our children. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2019 alone, 846 people were killed in cycling crashes. Our children should not be part of these devastating statistics.

By integrating comprehensive e-bike and bicycle safety education into school curriculums, we can arm our children with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely navigate our streets. This program would cover vital topics such as understanding traffic laws, wearing appropriate gear like helmets, and recognizing road signs and signals. It should also include practical training conducted by skilled first responders who can offer invaluable insight into real-world cycling safety.

Furthermore, e-bikes have become increasingly popular, and educating children on the safe and responsible use of these electric bicycles is crucial. E-bike education will empower our children to confidently and safely enjoy the benefits of modern cycling, enhancing their independence while minimizing potential risks.

Investing in such educational initiatives can have lasting benefits—not only reducing accidents on our roads but also promoting a culture of safety, responsibility, and awareness amongst young cyclists.

Let us come together as a community to advocate for this essential education. We implore the Hillsborough County School Board and local authorities to take immediate and decisive action. The safety of our children cannot wait. Please sign this petition and help us make Hillsborough County a safer place for our young cyclists to learn, grow, and enjoy the freedom of cycling.

Proposal: First Responder-Led Bike & E-Bike Safety Training for Hillsborough County Schools
Purpose
To implement a proactive safety program that educates students on safe bike and e-bike practices, delivered in partnership with local first responders, while minimizing disruption to academic instruction.

 
Step 1: Establish Partnerships
Lead Agencies: Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Tampa Police Department, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, and EMT services.
Community Partners: Local bike shops, e-bike retailers, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) safety division, and PTA organizations.
School Coordination: Work through the district’s Safety & Wellness Department and PE/Health curriculum leads.
 
Step 2: Program Structure
Annual Safety Training: Each student participates in one 30–45 minute safety session per year.
Flexible Delivery Options:

In PE/Health Classes: First responders integrate training into existing class schedules.
Safety Assemblies/Days: Schools dedicate a half-day where students rotate through stations.
Virtual Modules: Pre-recorded video with follow-up Q&A session from a local officer for schools with tighter schedules.
 
Step 3: Curriculum Design
Age-appropriate, interactive content to keep students engaged:

Elementary School: Helmet fitting, crossing streets safely, riding basics.
Middle School: E-bike rules, speed awareness, safe routes to school.
High School: Traffic laws, defensive riding, accident prevention, and real-life case studies from first responders.
 
Step 4: Logistics & Scheduling
Pilot Program: Launch in 3–5 schools across different grade levels in Fall 2025.
Rollout: Expand to all county schools by Fall 2026.
Timing: Coordinate with principals to schedule during PE/Health classes or on designated “Safety Days” to avoid academic disruption.
 
Step 5: Funding & Resources
Potential Funding Sources:

FDOT Safe Routes to School grants.
Hillsborough County safety budgets.
Corporate sponsorships (local bike/e-bike retailers).
In-kind Support: Donation of helmets, safety gear, or bike maintenance checks from community partners.
 
Step 6: Evaluation & Reporting
Pre- and Post-Surveys: Assess student knowledge and confidence about biking/e-biking safely.
Incident Tracking: Partner with the Sheriff’s Office to monitor changes in bike/e-bike accident rates among students.
Annual Report: Present findings and improvements to the School Board and community stakeholders.
 
Step 7: Community Engagement
Family Safety Nights: Invite parents to attend evening workshops led by first responders.
Ongoing Reinforcement: Provide take-home flyers, videos, and social media content to continue the message beyond the classroom.
Recognition: Award certificates to students completing the program to reinforce its importance.