The City of Cupertino (City) invites proposal submittals from qualified Consultants to provide in-school bicycle and pedestrian education programs for students. The City is seeking to secure a firm that has the required experience, qualifications, expertise, and resources to perform the services identified in this Request for Proposal (RFP). Cupertino Safe Routes to School (SR2S) aims to teach Cupertino students essential traffic safety skills as bicyclists and pedestrians. The goal is to deliver age-appropriate education every two years during a student's academic career, enabling them to practice these skills with their families at an early age. Studies have shown that this type of consistent, repetitive education approach is the most effective method for ensuring students develop and retain these vital skills. The academic framework for the program should follow traditional age-appropriate learning. The fundamental traffic safety rules of "stop, look, and listen" are taught to students starting in kindergarten. In second grade, these concepts are reinforced, with an emphasis on encouraging students to make these safety decisions independently. In fourth grade, the focus shifts to bicycling, though the same basic principles are applied. In middle school, students receive a refresher course that emphasizes the rules of the road and defensive bicycling techniques. Students learn the theory of practical skills such as these in a classroom setting, but a thorough understanding of concepts and proficiency is developed through hands-on practice. Consequently, the Consultant's range of services should start with a classroom-based safety lesson, followed by a practical, learn-by-doing session conducted in a safe, stress-free environment. The City desires to enter into a one-year initial agreement for these services with the option to extend the agreement for two additional one-year periods, dependent on available funding. These services are desired to begin with the 2024-25 school year, however they may be adjusted based on discussion with the selected Consultant. The estimated budget for these annual services is approximately $150,000.
