Timnath approves Safe Routes-to-School IGA with Poudre School District, to start 1st and 5th grade bike safety program

Timnath Town Council unanimously approved an intergovernmental agreement with Poudre School District Tuesday to implement a Safe Routes to School program that will bring Bike Fort Collins instructors into Bethke and Timnath elementary schools.

Town staff said council previously appropriated funds in the 2025 budget to buy a trailer, bicycles and supplies for the program; those items have already been purchased. Under the agreement the town will contract with Bike Fort Collins and the organization will provide the curriculum during regularly scheduled physical-education classes. The initial plan calls for first- and fifth-grade students to participate, with Bethke scheduled for September and Timnath Elementary scheduled for October. Staff said the program is expected to run annually for those grades so students may receive instruction twice while in elementary school.

Council asked whether the curriculum would include railroad-crossing safety after council members raised past safety concerns near Bethke. Staff said they would relay that request to Bike Fort Collins and confirmed the program provider indicated such topics can be incorporated.

Staff also said grant funding helped expand the program to include the second school this year; a named grant source was mentioned in the meeting transcript as "Shields." Council members praised staff for responding to resident requests and noted the program supports broader multimodal safety goals shared by the police department.

The resolution authorizing the IGA passed 4-0. Town staff said the agreement would be accompanied by a separate independent-contractor agreement with Bike Fort Collins following the town's purchasing policy, and that the town will continue to request annual budget funding to pay instructors unless outside grants are secured.