Paul Bass Photo
Bless prepares to ride on the Wexler Grant track Wednesday with fellow second-graders completing a pilot bike-safety course.
Eighteen second-graders checked their tires and chains, fastened their helmets, and set off on two wheels Tuesday as the first cohort of a new New Haven safe-biking generation.
The students were marking the end of a six-week pilot phys ed course at Wexler-Grant School aimed at teaching kids “ABC” (air pressure/ brakes/ chains) checks, hand signals, speed control, and how to ride in traffic.
Organizers are taking the Jamis MX Moto bikes and the program to four other schools this spring, with hopes of going systemwide.
The city launched the $35,000 pilot program with financial and operational help from the New Haven Coalition for Active Transportation (NCAT) and New Haven Climate Emergency Task Force. Some of the kids involved also learned how to ride a bike for the first time during the course, said gym teacher Shanna Mayberry. The course’s curriculum is based on one developed by Washington, D.C.‘s schools.
The goal is to start a generation of kids biking, safely, early, at a time when national bike ridership among young people has declined, said NCAT’s Elias Estabrook at a press conference before the kids displayed their riding skills, and enthusiasm.
Kiara, one of the students, said she upped her braking skills in the course. She said she prefers cycling to riding in a car, in part because of the fresh air. Bless, another student, said he picked up the ABCs of the ABC check along with the hand signals. His favorite part: “Riding fast.” As the kids proceeded to circle the track, Melvin received reminders to “use the bell” when he passed his slower-moving classmates.
The pilot program is part of broader ongoing efforts to boost cycling in New Haven. Mayor Justin Elicker said the city aims to expand the current 52 miles of bike lanes and similar infrastructure to 128 miles. NCAT and East Rock/Fair Haven Alder Caroline Tanbee-Smith recently helped East Rock School obtain 16 new bikes to rev up its bike club.
“We’re changing kids’ lives forever,” said Mayor Justin Elicker, who biked to the event himself.
The pilot program starts up next at Lincoln-Bassett Community School.
Kiara: This beats cars.
Shanna Mayberry: Kids gained confidence on wheels.
