Youth Education
Independent travel provides many benefits for kids
- Healthy physical activity becomes part of everyday life.
- Children arrive at school more alert, eager and ready to learn.
- Being outside is a sensory experience where imagination, adventure and creativity are found.
- Familiarity with their neighborhood helps children be resilient and adaptable.
- Independent travel teaches responsible decision-making, builds self- esteem and confidence.
Educational Opportunities for Youth
- 7th Grade Bus Program
- Smart Trips Adventure Camp
- Safe Routes to School
- Traffic Gardens/Bike Skills Courses
- Tips to Help Kids Travel Independently
7th Grade Bus Program
Each spring Smart Trips partners with Whatcom Transportation Authority to bring bus education to middle schools throughout Whatcom County. Programming includes in-class instruction on how to use WTA’s on-line trip planner, step by step instructions on how to make an easy trip from school to a popular local destination, rules for riding the bus and discussion of acting responsibly while traveling independently. A WTA bus is parked on school grounds. Students board the bus to learn on-the-bus information from a bus driver and practice loading and unloading a bike from the rack on the front of the bus. Youth ride free on WTA. This is an excellent opportunity for students to learn how to take advantage of this resource.
Smart Trips Adventure Camp
Over summer break, Smart Trips offers three, weeklong camps for kids ages 12-14 offering exercise, confidence and independence by learning to walk, bike and ride the bus for local trips. Camp includes instructions on using a bike for transportation followed by bike rides around town as well as simple bike maintenance. An urban hike teaches map reading and navigation by foot. Bus education includes trip planning and an overview of the WTA bus system with rides to several regions of town. Camp concludes with a scavenger hunt by bus. Camp is co-sponsored by Smart Trips and Bellingham Parks & Registration. For upcoming camp dates visit our Events page.
Safe Routes to School
Smart Trips works with the City of Bellingham and Bellingham Public Schools on educational activities related to Safe Routes to School projects. For current events related to Safe Routes to School, visit our Events page.
Traffic Gardens/Bikes Skills Courses
Smart Trips offers bicycle skills course installation and instruction for elementary school aged children at schools and community events. Courses are temporary and instruction includes learning bike control and the rules of the road. Kids practice stopping at stop signs and navigating intersections. Requests for these events should be made as far in advance as possible.