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Rutherford Outdoor Coalition (ROC) has had a part in providing bike education and safety to students attending the Rutherford County YMCA Family Program during the summer break.
Gabe Isaac, executive director of ROC, said young children have been involved in the bike education sessions at Forrest Hunt, Harris and Spindale elementary schools. The program is expected to be expanded to other Rutherford County schools.
Isaac said with ROC's partnership with Safe Routes to School and SAFE KIDS Rutherford Polk, the program now has a shared fleet of 46 youth bikes available for all age ranges.
ROC and Safe Kids launched the in-school bike education programs this year at the three elementary schools as ROC staff joined the YMCA campers for bike outings along the Thermal Belt Rail Trail. The students learned about bike safety and skills riding on the rail trail.
"We are excited to partner with Rutherford County YMCA Family Programs-NC to offer a series of outdoor education programs with their camp this summer," she said.
Gabe also thanked those responsible for grant funding and partnerships with Safe Routes to School and Safe Kids, which made the programs possible, helping with transportation and help from the Spindale and Lake Lure fire departments.
"We look forward to growing and expanding the county's youth bike programs in the years to come," Isaac said.
The Monday sessions concluded on Monday as the young children had the opportunity over the past few Mondays to learn about bike safety and trail riding.
