‘Cycling Smarts’ program teaches bike safety to Waterloo students

This June, students from around the City of Waterloo will get the chance to take to the streets on a bike for the first time, thanks to a new cycling education program.

The new ‘Cycling Smarts Pilot Program’ will help grade five students from the Waterloo Regional District School Board (WRDSB) and Waterloo Catholic District Board (WCDSB) learn to ride a bike safely and effectively in a busy urban environment. The program is a partnership between the school boards, Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region, and ‘The Working Centre’.

To ensure every child has access to the information, the program will be free to young riders throughout the city, even those new to cycling or who have specific mobility needs.

In a press release from the City of Waterloo, Annalisa Varano, Director of Education and Chief Executive Officer of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, reiterates the partnership’s importance in creating an atmosphere for kids to learn the important development skill.

“Learning does not stop at the classroom door, and neither does our commitment to our students,” said Varano. “The Cycling Smarts Pilot Project is a powerful reminder of what becomes possible when school boards, municipalities, and community organizations come together around a shared belief in young people. Our students will gain practical skills, build resilience, and develop a deeper connection to the community they call home.”

Chris Hogdson, Manager of Active Transportation for the City of Waterloo, also states in the release how efficient it can be to know how to cycle in the City of Waterloo.

“The City of Waterloo is recognized as a Gold Bicycle Friendly Community with over 230 km of trails, bike lanes, and signed bike routes connecting cyclists to key destinations in the city,” said Hogdson. “Cycling supports a healthy lifestyle, environmental sustainability, and provides more options for getting around.”

The Cycling Smarts program’s curriculum will blend classroom lessons with hands-on training. Specific focuses of the training include road safety rules and building habits like shoulder-checking, navigating rounadbouts, and applying a defensive-riding mindset.

The Cycling Smarts Pilot Program will be hosted at WCDSB’s St. Nicholas Catholic Elementary School from June 1 to 5 and at WRDSB’s Lincoln Heights Public School from June 15 to 19. You can learn more about the program at the City of Waterloo’s website.

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