Grade 4 and 5 students at West Sechelt, Madeira Park and Roberts Creek elementary schools got out of their classrooms and onto their bikes last week to learn about bike skills and road safety.
Students received instruction in their classrooms, followed by outdoor practical experience riding, learning and using newly acquired skills. Plenty of extra bikes were on hand for students who take the school bus.
This was year two of a pilot project initiated last spring by Transportation Choices (TraC) in collaboration with School District No. 46 (SD46) and with support from local businesses Howe Sound Pulp and Paper, Coastal Craft Yachts and Harbour Air. The training was provided by Sunshine Coast-based LIFECycle Bike Safety & Adventure, which has been providing this kind of training to students in the Lower Mainland for the past 16 years.
Lisa Allen, one of the Grade 5 teachers at West Sechelt Elementary, said, “I have participated in other bike safety programs in the past, and I have to say this was the best one I have ever seen in action.”
TraC initiated this program for local schools, with the belief that bike safety skills taught at a young age will stick with the individuals for the long term, giving kids the confidence to ride bikes while staying active and safe. Last spring approximately 475 students took part in the training, and this year saw about another 150 students take part.
Once the parent and teacher surveys are in, TraC will be reporting to SD46 on how well the pilot project went. Marina Stjepovic, a director with TraC, said they’ve heard a lot of positive feedback from kids and parents. “I’m hopeful we can find ways to continue the training for future Grade 4 and 5 students,” she said.
She urges drivers, meanwhile, to “be aware, slow down – we’re on Coast time. With spring upon us, we will surely see more cyclists on our roads, students and adults alike.”
TraC is a local not-for-profit volunteer group advocating for active forms of transportation – such as biking, walking, and public transit – as alternatives to private vehicles. TraC promotes and plans events and projects that get people of all ages and abilities out enjoying active ways of getting around the community.
– Submitted
