Blog: Learning to earn
Chris Pierce helps a student in East Palo Alto. (Amy Joh)
Life tends to gobble up childhood at a faster rate these days, and the simple pleasures of bicycling can slow down the pace. Adding to the fun is teaching kids basic bicycle mechanics, which enables them to be self sufficient and use something other than their eyes to get something tangible accomplished.
Earn-A-Bike programs are springing up all around the world, and one of the best ways to keep kids interested in bicycling is to teach them how to appreciate all the nuances that go into proper riding, proper gear, and safety issues.
Some friends and I were given the opportunity to start an after school Earn-A-Bike program in nearby East Palo Alto, California in April. Here's a blog describing our experience with the kids, and each other.
User Comments
There are 3 comments on this post
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 comments
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bhilden
Posted Thu 22 May, 7:05 pm UTC Flag as inappropriate
What a great way to both introduce kids to riding bikes and also to give them a sense of accomplishment.
Bruce
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pobby69
Posted Fri 23 May, 8:36 am UTC Flag as inappropriate
I think this is a great idea.
When I was a young 'un we used to have Cyldcing Proficiency Tests at school (6 to 11 year olds) including safe riding, signalling and bike maintenance. Unfortunately schools don't seem to offer this kind of thing anymore and it's quite noticeable that there are less children or young adults using bikes today.
This should be picked up by the local councils and re-introduced as part of a fitter UK and a more sustainable future.
John
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pk2k7
Posted Thu 4 Sep, 5:25 pm UTC Flag as inappropriate
i think its a realy good idea im 14 and there isnt enough young interest in biking atall i think me and two or three of my mates are the only under 18's in the area with a single clue about bikes i love to be out on the trails we make up and id love it if they would make a technical bike track closer to home as i live right i the middle of the lake district!!!! i love riding whatever the weather as i showed the wourld the other day on a 40 mile ride with my best mate in a lightening storm. it might not be safe but it was great fun
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