Eugene Fields Bicycling Program
Eugene Fields Elementary School Kid's Cycling ClassOn Saturday, I helped with maintenance on a bunch of donated bicycles for the Eugene Fields program. Gary Parker asked for my help, and Gary is a good friend, so how could I say no? As I understand it, the kids have to attend 3 classes after school, get fitted for a helmet, and if they stay with the program, they get a free bike. The bikes aren't shiny and new, but for some of these kids that's unimportant.
The photos from Saturday's work session are HERE. And the photos from today's class session are HERE. Now if you look at the work session photos, you'll undoubtedly notice that one of our number is lying on the sidewalk surrounded by paramedics. Brian was cutting a carton when his knife slipped and plunged into his leg. He is recovering from surgery due to a car crash, so any wound is to be treated seriously. He was transported to the emergency room and released later that day. Fortunately, he's going to be fine. Brian has the dubious distinction of being the first-ever casualty at one of these events.
We fitted kids with bikes and helmets today. Gary and Tom talked about basic safety. They watched LAB's "Kids Eye View" video and gleefully pointed out the other kids mistakes. Then we were off for a ride along the River Park trail.
The wind was relentless out of the south, scattering the kids along the trail. The cross wind at the pedestrian bridge was extremely difficult for one of the kids. She got off and walked part way across. Huge black clouds towered to the south, moving toward the north east. I felt a few raindrops, but that was all. Honestly, trying to keep a group of kids together under those conditions is like trying to herd cats!
They have two more sessions to attend this week, but my schedule is full so I won't be there for the others. Still, it was a lot of fun.
The photos from Saturday's work session are HERE. And the photos from today's class session are HERE. Now if you look at the work session photos, you'll undoubtedly notice that one of our number is lying on the sidewalk surrounded by paramedics. Brian was cutting a carton when his knife slipped and plunged into his leg. He is recovering from surgery due to a car crash, so any wound is to be treated seriously. He was transported to the emergency room and released later that day. Fortunately, he's going to be fine. Brian has the dubious distinction of being the first-ever casualty at one of these events.
We fitted kids with bikes and helmets today. Gary and Tom talked about basic safety. They watched LAB's "Kids Eye View" video and gleefully pointed out the other kids mistakes. Then we were off for a ride along the River Park trail.
The wind was relentless out of the south, scattering the kids along the trail. The cross wind at the pedestrian bridge was extremely difficult for one of the kids. She got off and walked part way across. Huge black clouds towered to the south, moving toward the north east. I felt a few raindrops, but that was all. Honestly, trying to keep a group of kids together under those conditions is like trying to herd cats!
They have two more sessions to attend this week, but my schedule is full so I won't be there for the others. Still, it was a lot of fun.
Labels: bicycling education, BikeEd, eugene fields elementary school
posted by Ed W at 7:34 PM
2 Comments:
Excellent! I can't remember not having a bike as a kid and would have been thrilled to have any set of wheels. I don't remember a new bike for me though there may have been one but being third boy in the family, it's just as likely they were all hand-me-downs.
In any event, I would agree that having a bike overshadows the fact of it being shiny. Thanks for helping kids get into cycling!
The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club located just behind Eugene Fields Elementary has, or had, a free bike program where kids could earn a bike and helmet. That Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club serves a lot of kids from Eugene Fields. I used to work part time at that club.
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