What Participants are Saying

“We can all make a big change in our community. We can save a lot of gas money by biking or using alternative methods of transportation that don’t use gasoline. I really liked learning about all the different places that have really cool bike paths, and healthier systems. I thought it was very inspirational, and could be applied to Santa Cruz. Overall, this experience was really helpful, and definitely makes me think twice when I say, “I can’t wait to drive.”

– Green Ways to School student

“ I think this is most important because many people don’t really care about the problem of global warming and pollution. They think it doesn't apply to them. When they find out that it does, and it will affect their lives drastically, then they will start to care more and put more effort into finding a solution.”
– Green Ways to School student

Who We Are

Green Ways to School is a program of People Power and The Hub for Sustainable Transportation. We are generously funded through a grant from the Webster Foundation.

What We Offer:

Classroom Presentations

Green Ways to School classroom presentations cover a diverse range of topics including sustainable transportation options, climate change, peak oil, personal and community health, and social equity. The subject matter and activities can be presented in a variety of formats including 45 minute and one hour versions, Presentations are followed up by opportunities for involvement in activities and volunteer work. Se below for more details on presentation topics.

Adopt-A-Bike

Through donations and our partnership with The Bike Church community bike co-op in Santa Cruz and The Bike Shack in Watsonville, students who volunteer for at least five hours are eligible to receive a free bike. We also involve students with trainings, where they learn basic maintenance skills and road safety.

School Activities and Group Rides

The Green Ways to School coordinator visits campus at least once a month, offering resources, information about community events, and assistance in organizing school activities. Examples of school activities include Bike Tune-up Day, Local Bikeways Rides, Bike-Powered Smoothies, Day Trips, and longer thematic group rides.

Community Service and Involvement

Students connect with the Santa Cruz bike community through local events, rides, and advocacy campaigns. They are encouraged to identify ways of improving infrastructure for cycling and other modes of sustainable transportation around their school and in their community, help raise awareness, solve problems, and work with elected officials and community members.

Presentations and Services

Classroom Presentations Topics:
o   The True Cost of Driving
o      Car Culture: Marketing & Media Literacy
o   Bicycling as a Political Movement
o      Transportation and Your Health
o   The Low CARBon Diet: Promoting Global Cooling
o   Communities Around the World: Human-scale Development
o      Cars?- Your Choice: Health, Community & The Environment
o   Bike Art: Innovation & Creativity
o      Transportation Throughout History
o      Peak Oil and Eco-nomics
o   Cycling Science: Physiology & Physics
o   Biofuels, Hybrids and Hype- Myths and Realities

Follow-up classroom presentations:
o      Tailored to each class

Teens-as-Teachers after-school program:
o      Students learn teaching and presentation skills
o      Students develop presentation for younger grades
o      Students take leadership roles in school events
o      Students can earn a bike by participating
o      Students assist with bike club at middle school
o      Students assist with bike safety and bike events at middle & elementary schools
o      Volunteer for County Health Services, Ecology Action, and People Power

One-time events:
o      Bike/skate Tune-up and Repair Day
o   Fix-a-flat Friday
o      Bike Safety Training by Ecology Action’s Bike Smart program
o      Guest Speakers/presenters from community
o      End of year celebration and recognition

Weekly Car-free days:
o      Coordinator will be at school for encouragement
o      Chance to earn bikes and accessories

After-school bike culture:
o      Bike shop access
o      Do-it-Yourself Bike projects
o      Field Trips by bike, skate and foot
o      Safety Training provided by Ecology Action’s Bike Smart program
o      Students develop car-free commute support for school
- Commute buddies or groups
- Bike cage/rack support

Beauty and the Bike

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