Ride to Thrive Pilot Project

Ride to Thrive, London Cycle Link’s education program, was born just over a year ago. Since last summer we have hired an educational program coordinator, trained a group of terrific instructors, run cycling education camps, compiled materials, worked with an original curriculum designed by our mentors at Cycling Into the Future, and started to make the curriculum our own — including adding a module on reasons to ride, which links active transportation to environmental sustainability.

In June, Ride to Thrive was invited to run as a pilot program in four Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) classrooms. Our instructors spent a week at Victoria Public School, and a week at Lord Nelson Public School, in each case working with grade 5/6 classes, teaching students to ride their bikes safely on the road. Big Bike Giveaway contributed a full set of bikes to the program, for students who did not have a bike they could bring to school.

One of our instructors, Gary Good, shared his experience working in the schools:

“I feel very fortunate that about a year ago I was made aware of the opportunity to get involved with a new cycling education program that London Cycle Link was pursuing. Well, after less than a year this new program, called Ride To Thrive, was successfully launched in two elementary public schools in two weeks. This was made possible by the very dedicated and hard working people at London Cycle Link, Cycling into the Future, Bike Bike Giveaway, and many volunteers.

As one of the instructors, my anxiety level increased as we approached the first week of the program at Victoria Public School. We felt fully trained and prepared, but going into a school introduced new challenges, and we all felt the pressure to ensure this was a positive experience for everyone. We needed to include all students—those that had a bike and knew how to ride, and those that did not. Thanks to the generosity of Big Bike Giveaway donating a classroom set of 25 bicycles, every student was given a bike to use for the week. Pedals were removed from bikes for those who didn't know how to balance, and instruction was geared to their level. For more experienced riders, instructors worked with them through the week to increase their skills, knowledge and confidence.

I have to be honest, those two weeks were exhausting, but also more rewarding than I could have imagined. I fully enjoyed getting to know the students, spending time with them, encouraging them, teaching them skills, and celebrating their achievements. There were students that went from not being able to balance a bike to riding around the school yard unassisted. To see someone successfully ride a bike for the first time is such a special moment. I'll remember one of the students coming up to me and saying, "This is so good! I've been trying to learn how to do this for seven years! Finally!" Another comment from an excited student riding for the first time: "There are so many people, dead and alive, who would be proud of me right now!"

Others had not ventured onto the streets with their bikes before, and were anxious about the 'road ride' on the final day of the program. After the first couple kilometers they were relaxed and confident in their skills and knowledge. It was awesome to see our group of students riding in single file, shoulder checking and signalling their turns as we rode through the streets around the school.

It was also very gratifying to hear all the positive comments from practically anyone we ran into. Teachers, custodians, principals, even a woman on her front porch as we rode through her neighborhood. One teacher asked, "How can I be sure that you will come back next year?"

From my perspective, it was a huge success. I have to mention our dedicated leader these past two weeks, Nate Frisbee (Educational Program Coordinator), who looked after all the details and ensured everything ran smoothly. It's a pleasure to be involved with Ride to Thrive, and I encourage others to consider becoming instructors.”

Huge thanks to all involved, for making this happen. We look forward to bringing Ride to Thrive to more schools in the coming year.