Back to School: Looking for Biking Volunteers

[Nicole Radshaw]

Dear BPAC Community-

Alexandria City Public Schools has one of the premier biking programs in Virginia, if not the US. I recently attended a Bike Smart, Bike Safe training and learned about several other Virginia public school programs. And we truly have one of the best- in terms of access, equity, equipment, and training. Plus our very bikeable city helps. 

Come and be a part of this great program as a Bike Buddy! Biking in the Schools or BITS is a PE unit where students learn to ride, learn about bike safety, and even take off-campus rides. BITS is implemented for every third grader and many middle schoolers across the district, giving all students no matter the background, environment, or resources, an opportunity to learn how to ride a bike.

As a Bike Buddy, you would assist PE teachers with set-up and clean-up, helmet fittings, bike safety checks, and the best part, working directly with beginner riders. General physical movement is a feature in this volunteer opportunity with lifting bikes and pushing bikes with children. Volunteer times depend on each school's PE schedule. For example, one school has biking from 8/18-10/3 from 9:45-10:30. Another school might be 9/16-10/15 from 12:00-12:45. You can volunteer one day a week or every day!

Training is a 30-minute video and a required ACPS volunteer application. If you enjoy helping kids learn to ride, you can become a Bike Buddy and help out at schools across the city. Learn more about the ACPS Bike Buddies program here. 

PE is just about every kid’s favorite class and being a bike buddy will be a fun and rewarding experience. There is nothing better than seeing the pride and hearing the laughter of new riders as they begin to balance and pedal off! 

More biking = more joy! Contact me at nicole....@acps.k12.va.us for more information.

Nicole Radshaw

Pedestrian and Bicycle Education Support Specialist

Alexandria City Public Schools