Teaching the Next Generation of Safe Cyclists
As the snow melts and the Yampa Valley bursts into bloom, the streets and trails come alive with the buzz of spring—and the hum of bicycle wheels. This May, Routt County Riders (RCR) is once again rolling out our flagship Street Smarts Bike Safety program, just in time for the season of cycling adventures.
Nearly 350 sixth graders from Steamboat Springs Middle School, Sleeping Giant School, and Hayden Middle School will take part in this hands-on, confidence-building program that teaches the rules of the road, essential bike handling skills, and the freedom that comes with knowing how to ride safely.
Now entering its fourth year, Street Smarts continues to thrive thanks to a strong coalition of community partners—including UCHealth, local law enforcement, SBT GRVL, The Cycle Effect, and Routt County Public Health—all working together to create safer streets and empower young riders across the valley.
We like to think of Street Smarts as spring training for young cyclists—a fun, real-world, scenario-based program that teaches students how to navigate their neighborhoods with confidence and care.
The curriculum covers a range of essential skills:
Check Your Gear – How to inspect and fit bikes and helmets for safety.
Follow the Rules of the Road – Understanding traffic laws and the responsibilities of being a rider.
Know Your E-Bike – Learning how to operate electric bikes safely and understanding how to ride these machines responsibly.
See the Signs – Recognizing and reacting to key road and trail signage.
Respect the Trail Triangle – Practicing kindness and awareness on multi-use paths.
For students just starting out on two wheels, the program includes a Learn-to-Ride component led by volunteers and staff from The Cycle Effect and SBT GRVL. These one-on-one lessons provide a safe, supportive space for new riders to find their balance—and their bravery.
Do you remember the first time you were able to find balance on a bike? One of the most inspiring parts of Street Smarts is watching young riders transform over the course of a few hours.
As Greer Van Dyck, SBT GRVL’s Director of Community Relations, put it:
“The high point for me is seeing our Learn-to-Ride participants connect the dots and make these strides toward building confidence. It is so inspiring to see them work through challenges and fears.”
These aren’t just riding lessons—they’re life lessons in perseverance, courage, and independence! Not to mention a good excuse to get out of the classroom and into nature for a couple of hours.
Street Smarts is built on the belief that every child deserves the chance to ride safely. That’s why RCR partners with UCHealth, Hard Headed, POC, and its own Bike Match program to provide students in need with helmets, loaner bikes, and—when possible—bikes to keep.
Plus, RCR’s in-house mechanics are always on hand during the program to tackle last-minute repairs, from adjusting seat heights to fixing flat tires, ensuring every student is set up for success.
Street Smarts wouldn’t be possible without the power of community volunteers. These incredible folks lead small group rides through local neighborhoods, model safe riding behavior, and offer encouragement to young cyclists learning the ropes.
Whether you’re a bike enthusiast, a parent, or someone who simply loves seeing kids thrive and cares about a safer bike community, we’d love to have you along for the ride.
Ready to get involved? Sign up to volunteer at RCR’s Volunteer Portal or contact lucy@routtcountyriders.org to learn more.
If you have a gently used kids’ bike or helmet to donate, or if your family is in need of equipment, please reach out to Matthew Rochon, RCR’s Bike Match Program Manager, at matthew@routtcountyriders.org.
Lucy Winslow
Programs & Events Coordinator
Routt County Riders
lucy@routtcountyriders.org