Did you know that May is designated as Bike Month? This past month we took part in several events and led others to make cycling in San Diego more accessible to diverse communities.
Thanks to a grant from the Office of Transit Safety, Circulate SD participated along with the Southeastern Kiwanis Club and San Diego County Bicycle Coalition to plan and execute the community bike event “Empire Bikes Back” at Morse High School. Over 40 students participated in a bike rodeo to learn how to ride safely in a controlled-environment, and how to wear their new bike helmets properly. More than 18 bikes were given away during an opportunity drawing, including 10 bikes generously donated by our Corporate Member, ofo Bikes. Several of the winners included three cheerful brothers, whom recently relocated from Congo, Africa. In one case, a parent won a bike as did his two sons. The event was accompanied by the SDPD and SD Fire Department, allowing children the opportunity to explore their vehicles and have a meet-and-greet with both. All in all, this was an excellent community bike event, bringing safety skills and opportunities to ride safely in the Southeastern community of San Diego.
Another event Circulate SD participated in was a bike rodeo at Logan Elementary (K-8th), in Logan Heights. Thanks to a Walk, Ride, and Roll to School Grant from the SANDAG iCommute program, over 50 students had the opportunity to learn from certified instructors on how to ride safely in a controlled environment. Additionally, one lucky student was the recipient of a bike, helmet, and lock to provide the opportunity for more fun exercise and an alternative mode of getting to school. Circulate SD provided technical support to the school when they wrote their grant last year, and helped train the school staff on how to implement their funding program for the bike rodeo. The event was put on by a successful team comprised by a school principal, school counselor, parent volunteers, and support from Circulate San Diego to ensure a high participation of students Thanks again to ofo Bikes for generously donating 5 bikes to Logan Elementary’s after-school bike club; all of the bikes were borrowed by students and accompanying adults on the day of the bike rodeo.
Circulate San Diego leads bike and pedestrian safety education programs throughout the San Diego County. We work with local government, school districts and community-based organizations to encourage active transportation and safe behaviors among all road users. To know more about our projects, or to work with us, contact Catherine Thibault, Director of Programs, at [email protected]
For more pictures, please check our Instagram page and follow us @circulatesd
