(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA — A Simi Valley resident wants to make bike riding as fundamental as reading and math—at least when it comes to early education.
At a recent City Council meeting, Michael Shaw pitched an idea that blends public safety, physical activity, and lifelong skills: teach every elementary school student in the city how to ride a bike.
Shaw, a longtime advocate for pedestrian safety, said he was recently inspired by a bicycle advocacy clinic that emphasized community-based solutions to improve mobility and reduce traffic dangers. “They’re trying to start a program that teaches bike riding in every elementary school,” he told the council. “I think that’ll be a well worthy cause.”
He acknowledged that progress can be slow. “Advocating for pedestrian and bike safety can feel like driving on the 405—slow, frustrating, and like nothing moves,” he added, drawing laughter from the room.
Still, his message landed. Councilmembers thanked him for staying engaged, and Mayor Dee Dee Cavanaugh offered a nod of encouragement: “We’re going to get those bicycles going at some point, aren’t we?”
Shaw’s remarks come at a time when cities across California are rethinking how children move through their communities. As traffic congestion, air quality, and safety concerns mount—especially around schools—more cities are turning to biking and walking as practical solutions.
Simi Valley has made some progress through community events like the Bicycle Safety Rodeo, hosted by the Simi Valley Police Department. At the most recent event in April 2023, kids ages 3 to 13 rode through practice courses, learned helmet safety, and had their bikes inspected by volunteers and local bike shop staff. Businesses like All Pro Bike Shop partnered with officers to help get kids rolling safely.
While well received, the rodeo is just one day. Shaw’s proposal aims to take that energy and turn it into something lasting and accessible for every child in the district.
Other cities have already started. In San Diego County, the Encinitas Union School District runs a bike and e-bike safety program for students, incorporating helmet checks, traffic rules, and on-bike instruction. The program is a collaboration between the district, local law enforcement, and traffic safety educators—and it shows that this kind of initiative is not only possible, but scalable.
Bringing something similar to Simi Valley would require coordination between schools, public safety, and community groups. Shaw floated the idea of teaming up with local bike shops—Simi Cycles, 805 Bicycle, The Bike Guys, and others—for fittings, repairs, and gear. Grants from California’s Active Transportation Program or Safe Routes to School could help offset costs.
And while schools would play a central role, the city has its own responsibilities when it comes to safety and infrastructure.
In Simi, the Arroyo Simi bike path already provides a safe and scenic route where children can ride and build confidence. But beyond that trail, most city streets still lack dedicated bike lanes, leaving young riders vulnerable and limiting their independence. Shaw’s remarks pointed to the need for broader support—not just in the classroom, but on the streets themselves.
Creating safer roads, improving infrastructure, and giving kids the skills to navigate them confidently could all work together to build a more bike-friendly future in Simi Valley.
“We’re not reinventing the wheel,” Shaw said. “We’re just giving every kid in Simi a chance to ride it safely.”
