Attendees will learn about an innovative transit education program that was piloted in the Eugene School District 4J for 8th graders. This program addresses the challenges that students face when navigating public transit, specifically the intimidation many feel when riding the bus both in terms of route-finding and access, but also in terms of personal safety. In interacting with students while distributing free transit passes, we discovered that students often lacked the knowledge and experience to feel comfortable using public transportation. To address this, we developed and piloted a short curriculum that includes both a classroom session and a field trip on the bus. Attendees will learn how this hands-on approach builds students' skills, reduces anxiety, and encourages the use of public transit, with pre- and post-survey results showing significant success in boosting confidence and competence.
Safe Routes to School Coordinator, Eugene School District 4J
Sarah Mazze manages the Safe Routes to School program for Eugene School District 4J. Recent projects include launching a district-wide learn to ride program that has spread throughout the region and through which nearly 2,000 students have learned to pedal; developing a transit education... Read More →
