Corvallis, OR, Bike safety education program evaluation

Rebecca L. Myrold

This study explored the outcomes of a bike safety education (BSE) program in Corvallis, OR, that teaches general bike safety knowledge to 5th grade students (N = 130). Specifically the exploration tested if: (a) general bike safety knowledge increased from pre-to-post, (b) value, enjoyment and perceived competence of biking, and performance on a knowledge-based test are correlated, (c) autonomy support, parent support and school support predict increases in value, enjoyment and perceptions of competence, and performance on a knowledge-based test from pre-to-post, and (d) value, enjoyment and perceived competence mediate the relationship between a perceived "supportive" environment and performance on a knowledge-based test from pre-to-post. Exploration of these constructs was conducted using Expectancy-Value Theory (EVT, Eccles et al., 1983) as a framework for understanding changes from pre-to-post. Constructs were measured by students taking a pre- and post-test. The pre-test was taken on day 1 prior to the start of instruction and the post-test was taken the following week after completion of the BSE program. Based on a paired t-test students' knowledge of bike safety increased significantly by nearly 25 percent from pre-to-post (t(119) = -23.41, p < 0.001). Using a correlation analysis value, enjoyment and perceptions of competence were found to be correlated; however, knowledge was not found to be correlated with any of the constructs. Both (c) and (d) were tested using a Baron-Kenny test of mediation using regression analysis. Results from the regression analysis did not support the test of mediation. This research provides evidence that BSE programs do teach general bike safety. It also builds on previous literature by providing insight into other areas that BSE programs impact beyond biking knowledge. Specifically this research shows that by participating in a BSE program students can benefit in the areas of enjoyment, value, and perceptions of competence in a biking situation. Furthermore, this study provides evidence that perceived parental support is important in predicting student perceptions of competence, enjoyment and value of biking, therefore, highlighting the importance of parent involvement. Finally, this study looks at possible future avenues of research for BSE programs.

Corvallis, OR, Bike safety education program evaluation

Files and links (1)

Abstract

Metrics

Details