Cycling safety program in need of bikes
When Heart Niagara launched a new cycling safety course for children across the region, staff quickly realized they were missing a vital element of the program — bicycles.
While the agency had collected helmets, bike lights and locks for the Grade 5 and 6 students who would be participating in its Cycling Safety Education course, the number of requests for bikes was overwhelming.
Heart Niagara is asking for the community’s help in donating unwanted bicycles to the cause.
Donated bikes will be given a tune up and a new lease on life through Broken Spoken and Bikes for Farmers volunteers.
The Cycling Safety Education program pairs Heart Niagara with various community partners, including public health, to deliver an in-class session on road safety as well as an outdoor bike rodeo where students practice safe bicycle handling skills in a fun environment.
On Tuesday, for example, the team organized a bike rodeo at Twenty Valley School in Vineland.
“We want to increase physical activity,” said Victoria LaFratta, Heart Niagara project manager.
She said cycling in easy and inexpensive way for kids to get the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day.
“It also reduces our carbon footprint,” LaFratta added. “We want students to bike to school, rather than get their moms to drive them.”
Teachers report that children who walk or cycle to school are more alert and ready to learn than those who arrive by vehicle.
Heart Niagara has eight school and community bike rodeos scheduled across the region in the future and the non-profit agency is hoping to provide bicycles to those who need them.
The public is invited to drop off bicycles at its Niagara Falls office April 23 and 25, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Further information can be found at www.heartniagara.com.