The founding organizations were the National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII), NAEC, NAESA and Elevator World, the industry trade publication. Each organization committed to provide sufficient funds to establish the first program. In 1989, the Elevator/Escalator Safety Council was organized. The group researched the availability of government grants to help fund the program, engaged a noted specialist in children's education for advice, and reviewed numerous programs directed toward changing children's behavior, such as Smokey the Bear.

It took two years to develop the first program, Safe-T Rider, which consisted of an 8 1/2 minute video, teacher's guide, poster, coloring books, certificates, tests, stickers and buttons. During the first year when the program was field tested, it also included a pre-test and a post-test to effectively evaluate the efficacy of the program. The buttons were discontinued as a cost saving measure. During these two years, the organization also became a full-fledged 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation so all contributions would be tax-deductible.

Since the introduction of Safe-T Rider and with the help of hundreds of volunteers, the program has been sent to over 6 million children, teachers and parents. Each year, the Foundation has been able to solicit sufficient donations to increase the number of school districts receiving Safe-T Rider. The materials are free of charge to any public or private school wishing to participate.