Studious fifth graders earn new bicycles

Christmas came early for more than 40 La Conner Elementary School fifth graders.

Rather than waiting to awaken Dec. 25 to find a new bicycle under the tree, students ended their school day May 2 with a bike of their own.

They earned it – in both name and deed.

The bikes were presented as part of a three-tiered, school-based Bicycle Safety Education program and its Earn-a-Bike initiative.

Earn-a-Bike is an equity opportunity allowing youth to apply their new cycling skills in the real world by pedaling to school, exploring their neighborhoods and experiencing the freedom and mobility independence of cycling, said Briana Lindquist, communications specialist with the Anacortes-based Northwest Educational Service District.

Other program components include an in-school "Let's Go" physical education unit, the largest statewide youth bicycle education curriculum in the United States, and an after-school youth development project modeled after a Cascade Bicycle Club program.

The Seattle non-profit promotes safe, equitable and sustainable cycling experiences in Washington state. It designed the Bicycle Safety Education program and partnered with NWESD to distribute bikes– plus helmets and locks –in La Conner.

As part of the program, students learned bicycle maintenance, gear shifting and braking.

The bikes were purchased with state Climate Commitment Act grant funding at Trek Bicycle of Bellingham. Trek store manager Gabby Walch and staff member Jon Terzenbach came to La Conner to help students adjust the seats and learn about their bikes.

"This is so exciting. It's been such a fun opportunity," Walch said.

"It's a legislative appropriation that funds the program," NWESD Assistant Superintendent David Forsythe said, referring to Move Ahead Washington grants authorized by the Climate Commitment Act. "The program provides bikes to several schools in the area."

Concrete and Darrington students received bikes last week from NWESD.

Administered by the Washington State Department of Transportation, the program prioritizes schools with the highest need to advance goals of health, safety and equity. It includes adaptive cycling equipment for youth with disabilities.

"Our students are really excited," La Conner Elementary School Principal Heather Fakkema said as she watched the fifth graders spin across the playground. "It's a great day for them and we had lots of help putting this together today."

The adage that "once you learn to ride a bicycle, you never forget" was evident Thursday.

"I haven't ridden a bike in a while," said student Parker Fischer.

It didn't take long for Fischer to confirm Einstein's observation that keeping one's balance on a bicycle requires constant motion. In no time, Fischer was looping the space behind the elementary gym.

The positive vibes were unmistakable.

"This is a great way to end the school day," said Matthew Metcalf, NWESD Regional Bicycle Education administrative coordinator.

Not to mention, to get a good head start on Christmas.