Elementary school students in grades 4 and 5 will learn safer cycling skills after taking part in the province’s Everyone Rides program, which is expanding to the West Kootenays.
The Everyone Rides program encourages kids throughout the province to try active transportation options in safe and organized environments, stated a press release from the BC Government.
Students participate in two sessions to build cycling skills and confidence. In the first lesson, students are provided with a foundation in biking skills and helmet safety.
The second lesson focuses on practical, hands-on activities like stopping, hand signals, and road sign awareness.
Bikes and helmets are provided, and there are adaptive options for children with disabilities.
The program was created by HUB Cycling, a non-profit organization dedicated to breaking down barriers to cycling.
“Riding a bike is a childhood pastime, and learning to ride safely will give kids the opportunity to become lifelong cyclists and open the door to healthier and cleaner choices,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
“Building the foundational skills to ride a bike safely steers our community towards a future less reliant on cars.”
The program was first launched in 2019, and so far, has seen more than 33,000 children participating province-wide.
The province added that the program gives students the opportunity to develop skills that can be used on the many new active transportation infrastructure projects in communities throughout the province.
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