Kids Build Bike Skills Using Local Motion Equipment
Posted by Jason on Jun 01 2011
Local Motion launched a new initiative this spring to loan bikes and resources to schools that want to teach bike skills to kids. This initiative is part of our BikeSmart program, which builds on a curriculum developed in collaboration with the Center for Health and Learning and the Vermont Safe Routes to School program. Three schools — ADL Middle School in Essex Junction and Flynn Elementary and Edmunds Elementary in Burlington — have used our trailer and equipment so far. The reaction from teachers and kids alike has been overwhelmingly positive!
Sixth graders at ADL Middle School honed their bike skills with help from Local Motion
Ruth McGowan and Ashley Stebbins, PE teachers at ADL Middle School, led off the season with a training for all 110 sixth graders at the school. Students worked on smooth starts, anti lock braking, signals, helmet safety, bike basics and an obstacle course. “We owe a huge thank you for this outstanding opportunity to Local Motion and their trailer filled with top quality kids’ bikes!” McGowan said. “This is an outstanding opportunity for Vermont students to learn bike safety. The equipment is excellent, the curriculum is provided, and it’s all free!”
In mid-May, the bikes went to Flynn Elementary in Burlington’s New North End. Sarah Austin, the after-school site director at Flynn, built bike skills training into programming for the week. “The program was wonderful!” Austin said. ”What an amazing experience for everyone involved.” The bikes also went to Edmunds Elementary, where after-school staff were able to squeeze a few trainings in between the rainshowers.
Many thanks to MVP Health Care, exclusive business sponsor of Local Motion’s BikeSmart program for 2011. Their support made this spring’s “loaner” program possible.
Thanks also to the many other partners who helped launch this program in 2010 and continue to support it now, including: VTrans, Fletcher Allen Health Care, Kohl’s Cares for Kids, the Vermont Health Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Skirack, Maaco of South Burlington, Airbrush Ron, and CCTA.
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