Saratoga Shredders launches Bikes in Schools program for area elementary students
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> Saratoga Shredders, with financial support from Saratoga County Supervisor Matt Veitch and Tara Gaston, in office as a County Supervisor when the grant was initially awarded, recently announced the donation of 30 bicycles and helmets to the Saratoga Springs City School District for use in grades 2-5.
According to a press release, this contribution, part of a broader initiative to foster a lifelong love for cycling and outdoor pursuits among students, also includes a specialized cycling curriculum and professional development for physical education staff.
The new Bikes in Schools program is designed to enhance the physical education curriculum by integrating cycling into the daily activities of students across the district’s six elementary schools. The program features a rotating fleet of bikes, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to participate and learn essential cycling skills.
Key Highlights of the Bikes in Schools Program:
• Donation of 30 Bikes and Helmets: The bikes and helmets provided are specifically designed for younger children, making it easier and safer for them to learn cycling.
• Professional Development: SSCSD’s physical education teachers have undergone specialized training, developed by Saratoga Shredders, to effectively teach and manage the cycling program.
• Rotating Fleet: The fleet of bikes will rotate among the six elementary schools in the district, ensuring equitable access to this valuable resource
• Curriculum Integration: The program includes a curriculum that covers basic cycling skills, safety rules, and the health benefits of cycling, tailored to meet the needs of young learners.
“We are thrilled to partner with Saratoga Springs City School District to bring this exciting program to life,” said Anna Laloë, Executive Director of Saratoga Shredders in the release. “Our goal is to not only teach kids how to ride but also to instill a passion for the outdoors and physical fitness that will last a lifetime.”
The program kicked off with a collaborative event where Saratoga Shredders and SSCSD physical education staff came together to assemble the bikes. This hands-on experience not only facilitated a deeper understanding of the equipment but also reinforced the community’s commitment to the program.
“This initiative represents a significant investment in the health and well-being of our children,” Laloë said. “We are proud to donate a full-service program that removes barriers to physical activity and provides our youth with the skills to lead active and healthy lives.”
The Bikes in Schools program is set to roll out this spring 2024, with full implementation expected across all elementary schools by the end of the academic year. Saratoga Shredders is also nearing its fundraising goal for the next phase of the Bikes in Schools program at Maple Avenue Middle School.
These programs promise to make a lasting impact on the students and the broader Saratoga Springs community by promoting physical activity and accessibility to cycling for all. To support this initiative, donations can be made at https://saratogashredders.com/ bikes-in-schools