This project supported the SD72 StudentsRide Program and brought cycling education to people of all ages in the community. The grant was used to purchase a trailer and start a bike fleet in order to support a Grade 4/5 bike handling and road skills program to be offered every second year at every elementary school in the district.

With a population of approximately 35,000, Campbell River would be considered a rural community. In the past 2-3 decades, there has been low active transportation rates in Campbell River schools and youth cycling skills programs have been few and far. But local data now show there is a need and desire for children/youth to actively commute. By increasing cycling skills and confidence in school, this can help decrease the number of cars on the road and reduce emissions during peak travel windows.

SD72 StudentsRide Program helped build that foundation by providing critical infrastructure and supports to build skills, confidence and access to bikes. This plan specifically benefitted students in grades 3-7 at elementary and middle schools in Campbell River. It built upon the HUB Cycling Learn2Ride pilot project which took place in our school district in Spring of 2024 where grade 4/5 teachers and support staff at all elementary schools were given the chance to gain skills to lead a 5 lesson bike skills program with their classes as part of PE curriculum.

‍

For more information, visit the Campbell River School District 72 website.

‍