The SD72 StudentsRide program will be an important component of a 5 year community plan (begun in 2022) to bring cycling education to people of all ages in our community. We continue to build partnerships, share resources and work together to encourage active transportation. Our community is growing, aging and requiring safe pathways and education to be physically active, reduce emissions, and commute actively.
With a population of approximately 35,000, Campbell River can be considered a rural community. In the past 2-3 decades, there has been low active transportation rates in Campbell River schools but local data show there is a need and desire for children/youth to actively commute. This has been demonstrated by our Go By Bike statistics, data from family surveys during the Phoenix Active School Travel grant program, and surveys completed by the Cycling Coalition with River City Cycle Club.
SD72 StudentsRide program will help build that foundation by providing critical infrastructure and support to build physical literacy and road safety skills, confidence and access to bikes. This funding will be used to purchase bikes and helmets to accommodate an entire Grade 3-5 class to reduce barriers and ensure equity. This funding will also pay the Active School Travel Lead, further develop our curriculum, asset management and strategic plan and provide honorariums for volunteers.
Between April 15-June 28, 2025, we will reach the elementary schools we missed last year (Cedar, Penfield, and Georgia Park); this funding will allow us to cover transportation and staffing costs to Quadra Island and Sayward elementaries as well. In the future, classes can book the trailer for field trips.
By increasing skills and confidence through SD72 Students Ride, we can help decrease the number of cars on the road and in turn decrease emissions during those peak travel windows.
Photo source: AdobeStock. Photo is shown for illustration purposes only and may not be an accurate representation of the project.
