IRIDE IN GRAND FORKS

May 9, 2015
2 min read

The IRide program is an amazing inititative from Cycling BC. The program is free to schools and consists of 4, one hour sessions during school hours. There are also opportunities for subsidized afterschool programs and summer camps. This week we had our first program in the Kootenays start in Grand Forks.

The kids were great, teachers amazing and the volunteer parents crucial to help facilitate the program. D.A Perley & Hutton Elementary Grand Forks and Christina Lake Elementary had a great first week. The teachers had some apprehension over the timing of the program and how the logistics would work out and were delighted in the success on all levels. The community really worked together to ensure all the kids had bikes and helmets. Here is the feedback we have received so far.

This program is fantastic Bob....kids had a blast this afternoon riding down by the beach....thanks for hooking us up! photos going up on our FB site.

Shawn Lockhart

Good things from Hutton, too, Bob. I know the kids are looking forward to the bike hike next week.

Thank you for taking this on and bringing it to our area.

Sheryl McIver, Administrative Assistant

John A. Hutton Elementary School

Arriving at the school to see all the bikes was awesome - I’m not sure how many kids were able to ride to school but having them there at school was certainly exciting for the participants.

This week was about getting to know the students and their abilities. The sessions started with a bike familiarization and safety check. The kids did laps around the school collecting high fives, the kids were super excited to report that ‘I collected 15 high fives!!’. The sessions were filled with Fast/Slow races, balance games, scooter races & riding in pairs - this came naturally to some and those who were having difficulties overcame them with help from the experts. Plus an obstacle course to use those skills of body position, braking, gears and terrain assessment. Time goes past quick when your on a bike and as the next class arrived the Balance Game was wrapping up with both clear winners and friendly ties.

With the kids and teachers eager to get out on a trail we took them out for some fun trail riding. They have access to the KVR railgrade close to both schools in Grand Forks, which was the perfect trail for all the kids. One road crossing and we were at the trail. It was a challenge for the different bikes as the trail can be very sandy in places however the trail ends with a paved section, slight downhill grade right back into the school yard. Let loose the kids rolled down the track practising their skills and showing off.