School bike clubs

Cleveland Heights Bike Officer Andy Watkins leads a bike skills workshop at the Canterbury Bike Rodeo. Students also practiced bicycling skills in the school parking lot.

The Heights Bicycle Coalition (HBC) sponsored after-school bike clubs this fall for third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students at Canterbury and Fairfax elementary schools. Club activities included weekly rides of three to five miles on side streets, with a snack at the half-way stop. 

HBC volunteers Sarah O’Keeffe, Jeff Sugerman—with bike dog Chipper—Mitch Pilon and PTA members help school PE teachers Julie Lustic and Alice Stratton run the clubs. 

The goal of the clubs is to teach children bike safety and the rules of the road. The clubs also encourage students to get out and enjoy the fresh air.

An exciting highlight of the school cycling program was the Oct. 2 bike rodeo at Canterbury. The bicycle division of the Cleveland Heights Police Department demonstrated bike riding skills, including balance and proper braking, to the 33 students in attendance.

“We hope to continue to grow the after-school program for next year,” said Sarah O'Keefe, lead HBC volunteer. The clubs served more than 40 students in the last two years. 

Interested in having an after-school bike club at your school? Contact Sarah O’Keeffe at saraheokeeffe@gmail.com.