Knowing how to ride a bike is of little use if you don’t have one of your own to ride. Fortunately, participants in our Shifting Gears cycling education program didn’t have to save their pennies, or do without the two-wheeled transportation they had just learned to ride safely. Instead, over the course of two bike giveaways, Propel ATL gave out 50 bikes to program participants as well as members of the Oak Hill Child, Family and Adolescent Center and William Walker Recreation Center.
An event known as Bike Family Day marks the culmination of Shifting Gears. It’s a celebration of newly acquired knowledge as well as the joy of cycling.
Program participants and instructors at William Walker Recreation Center. Photo: Bavard Rahdar
Our first Bike Family Day, on July 12 at William Walker Recreation Center, saw students from all the recreation centers we served this year refresh their cycling knowledge before taking rides around the recreation center on their new bikes. The second Bike Family Day at Oak Hill saw as much excitement, energy, and passion as the first.
The events began with an overview of cycling tips, safety, and rules. The quick refresher course began with a short introduction to bike safety, including the routine ABC (air, brakes, chain) bike check, helmet use, shifting gears, and general cycling etiquette. Afterwards, everyone received a safety booklet to take home.
Peyton (right, with Katrina, a family member) gained confidence by attending the class regularly. Photo: Crystal Manzanarez/Propel ATL
Peyton attended Shifting Gears classes for about four weeks. When she first started the program she felt nervous and scared but gradually grew more confident. Equipped with a new bike, she plans on visiting more parks around her area and riding with her mother on the Beltline.
Program participants line up during the safety-instruction portion of the event. Photo: Israel Negrete-Abreu/Propel ATL
After the quick refresher, we introduced every family to their bicycles and helmets, one by one, then got them properly fitted. Kids and their parents were smiling ear to ear, radiating excitement.
Once everyone was fitted and had all their equipment, families were able to test out their skills. Despite different skill levels, our instructors were able to provide feedback to everyone and got many people comfortable with balancing, using brakes, and simply relaxing while riding around.
Scenes from Bike Family Day at Oak Hill. Photos: Crystal Manzanarez/Propel ATL
Both events ended with a short community ride to show some of the families how to safely cycle within a group and on public roads.
We want to give a special thanks to the Oak Hill Center and William Walker Recreation Center staff for partnering with us on these events. They made sure everything went smoothly and assisted us in every way possible. The families who participated also deserve special thanks. From riding around together to simple interactions, it was all smiles, laughter, and positivity.
Finally, special thanks to Atlanta Parks and Recreation for supporting this iteration of the Shifting Gears program and promoting cycling education to tomorrow’s future leaders.
(Below, a Shifting Gears parent discusses her child's experience.)