Few things serve as a cultural rite of passage for American teenagers more than getting a driver's license. Driving isn't the only commuting option, though, and choices about how to get to school can be studied and discussed in a variety of classes.
Physical Education
Using the California Content Standards, cycling can be the easily incorporated into the high school physical education curriculum in the following areas of the Physical Education Model Content Standards for California Public Schools:
Including a discussion about cycling or walking as a transportation choice in a physical education course is not yet part of the California Standard and would need to be developed by the individual instructor or department.
Health and Drivers Education
While Drivers Education is no longer a part of most California high school curricula in Washington state where it continues there is a movement to broaden the concept to include "Mobility Education." Students are taught safety as pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers, and also the "rules of the road" for multiple transportation modes. More information about the program is available from The Mobility Education Foundation.
Teen Safe Driver materials are also available from the National Highway Safety Administration.
Science, Civics, Economics
Commuting education can be incorporated into a wide variety of courses beyond physical education and health. The Cool Schools program from the Climate Protection Campaign brings educational resources and solution-based activities to high school aged students and classrooms. Using statistics classes, social marketing, and education campaigns, this program has the potential to both teach standards based skills and shift modes of commuting significantly in high school populations.
Bike Clubs, Racing Teams, and Bike Kitchens
Several high schools in the area have successfully created bike clubs. Regionally, the NorCal High School League was organized to provide a well-defined race season for junior racers and to promote the formation of teams at public high schools. South Fork High School has formed a Mountain Bike Team. For information on forming a team, receiving training for coaches, or learning about how to fund such an effort visit the NorCal High School League's website.
"Bike Kitchens" are programs or classes where students can learn to fix ("wrench") and perhaps build a bicycle. These types of programs can be integrated into industrial arts or mechanic courses, or can be a part of wider community programs, for example, through a teen center. A great example of "earn-a-bike" and other youth programs is Bike Works in Seattle, Washington.
Media: Films, Websites, and Podcasts
There are innumerable cycling sources geared to young adults. School publications and production courses lend themselves to student creation of radio, film, website, and podcast content around transportation issues. A sample podcast is available at Crooked Cog Podcast.