The “How We Roll” Bicycle Safety Program

1. The “How We Roll” Bicycle Safety Program Ohio’s Investment in College Campuses

2. How We Roll - Presenters • Andrew Davis, P.E., Department of Public Service, City of Akron, OH • adavis@akronohio.gov • Victor Pinheiro, Ph.D., Director School of Sport Science & Wellness Education at the University of Akron • victor@uakron.edu

3. How We Roll – University of Akron • Replication and Extension of program started at the Ohio State University in 2011-2012 • Contracting with the University to implement • The University of Akron is a smaller campus at 28,000 students with a relatively new bike culture, and new residential growth • With growing number of cyclists in Akron there has been an increase in cyclist crashes reported. • How can cycling ridership grow and be safe at the same time?

4. How We Roll – University of Akron • What factors influence college students and community members to participate in the How We Roll bicycle safety program? • What are the outcomes and benefits for those who choose to participate in the program?

5. Method • How We Roll Tour • Light Kits • Benefits • Trained Student Leaders • Students and Community Members • Outreach • Data: Surveys, Interviews and Focus Groups

6. Method – How We Roll Tour • 6-8 Mile bicycle ride with two trained guides • Begins with a short orientation to riding in traffic, and safe riding instruction throughout ride. • V – Visible • P – Predictable • O – Obey all traffic laws • Emphasis is on having fun and seeing new sights. • Safety training intervention under cover of “having a good time”!

7. Method – Light Kits & Other Benefits • 700 Free Front & Rear Light Sets • Part of tour, but also would do give aways • Reached a lot of disadvantaged persons • How We Roll Reflective Dri-Fit T-Shirt • Branded Posters, Drawstring Bags, Spoke Cards • DoDowntown Cards – DAP’s Entertainment Book

8. Method – Student Leaders • School of Sport Science & Wellness Education at the University of Akron • Graduate Assistant – Oversaw operations, planned and coordinated events, managed student tour guides, assisted with research • Student Assistants – Were trained by LCI to lead tours and would always work in pairs • Service Learning Opportunity for all the students – to work and make an impact on community, develop leadership skills • Many comments on their professionalism and positive presentation • Not your typical “bike enthusiast,” but where healthy lifestyle oriented

9. Method – Students & Community Members First target in Fall 2013 was university students In Spring-Summer 2014 we expanded to all community members This was done due to smaller student population and having a large community population within 5 miles of the University.

10. Method - Outreach • Peer driven outreach – trying to get excitement going via word of mouth. Later by specifically calling on various groups of people: • Greeks, Student Organizations, Residence Halls, Classes & Departments • Large Employers in the Akron Area • Churches, YMCA, Hospitals • More traditional – going to the media • Summer 2014 – Nice Front Page Article in a couple of publications • Partnering • Downtown Akron Partnership – Noon Green & Fit Celebrity Rides • AMATS – Switching Gears Website; Active Transportation Conference • Bike Party! – Monthly Friday Night Rides

11. Method – Data Collection • Surveys • On-line registration for tours included short pre-survey • 4 Week Follow-up Survey using Qualtrics • Interviews • 1 on 1 semi-structured interviews – students & community members • Focus Groups • Several – primarily college students

12. Results - Surveys • To date 380 participants; 351 surveys sent • 177 responses (50 % response rate) • 57% Female; 43% Male • 92% Caucasian; 6% African American; 1% Asian; 1% Other • 21% University of Akron Students • 79% Community Members

13. Results - Surveys • Pre-Tour Survey Data • Findings from Post Survey Data • 91% Have a working bike where they live; 93% have a helmet • Confidence Maneuvering Bicycle: 66% Lots; 29% Fair Amount • Confidence Riding on Road: 42% Lots; 39% Fair Amount • Confidence Understanding Traffic Law: 44% Lots; 43% Fair Amount • Stop at Red Lights: 79% Lots • Stop at Stop Signs: 56% Lots; 33% Fair Amount • Wear Helmet When Riding: 64% Lots

14. Results – Interviews & Focus Groups • Experienced Riders– learning way around town and finding new places to visit; seeing city up close on bike vs. from a car • Low to Moderate Experienced Riders– ability to ride in traffic; how short distances are on bike; increased confidence riding in the street; learning way around town and finding new places to visit • More tolerance for cyclists when driving; less judgmental • Social aspect of ride was fun; Free Bike Lights! • Inspired to ride more; Could use the bicycle as an alternative mode of transportation • Friendliness and professionalism of Guides • History of City and points of interest • Suggestions for City and University to improve cycling conditions

15. Discussion – Lessons Learned • Participants found ride very enjoyable and interesting, and at the same time increased their confidence of riding on the road. • Getting to know Akron up close versus in a car, and how close destinations are on a bike. • Lights were very popular (700), and we were able to serve population that does not have access to car. • Reported increased obeying traffic laws and use of helmets • Tested various outreach methods; program does need time to develop – minimum 2 years • Collaboration with University very positive and provided meaningful service learning opportunities for students while making community impact

16. Discussion - Limitations • As a case study the findings are not generalizable, but audience can determine for themselves what aspects may be applicable in their area. • Improve evaluation measures to be able to compare different sites – i.e. Akron and Columbus • Each university may have different resources, student population & existing bicycle culture • Limited age to less than 65 years old

17. Future Recommendations • Implementation Guide currently being written to help other universities and communities who are interested in the How We Roll Bicycle Tour program. • How We Roll has potential for youth programming. • Extend study beyond age 64, to include older adults; we had many participate. They have time and money to find events like this. • Use college students for running this program at any level. May need to consider qualifications that emphasize people skills, and set clear schedule for tours.

18. Questions? • See Akron Beacon Journal Story: • http://www.ohio.com/news/local/bicyclists-pedal-through-downtown-akron-to-see-city-and-learn-on-street-pedaling-1.501958?fb_action_ids=718832534822172&fb_action_types=og.comments