Biking to School
Our students live within two miles of schools. There are sidewalks leading to the school and the city is on-board with letting students ride their bikes on those sidewalks. It is a great way to get to school in the warmer months. Our school promotes bicycle use in a variety of ways.
1. We offer bicycle training to all 3rd-6th grade students through our physical education program.
2. All sixth graders participate in a 22 mile round-trip bicycle ride on the rail trail to a picnic area near the Abbey Restaurant.
3. We have plenty of bicycle racks for kids to park in and lock their bikes to.
4. We purchased an outdoor bike repair stand with tools and bicycle pump located at the school.
5. We offer low or no-cost helmets to students to promote safety.
1. We offer bicycle training to all 3rd-6th grade students through our physical education program.
2. All sixth graders participate in a 22 mile round-trip bicycle ride on the rail trail to a picnic area near the Abbey Restaurant.
3. We have plenty of bicycle racks for kids to park in and lock their bikes to.
4. We purchased an outdoor bike repair stand with tools and bicycle pump located at the school.
5. We offer low or no-cost helmets to students to promote safety.
Bike Training
The organizations Local Motion and RiseVT provide access to trailers full of mountain bikes to public schools all over Vermont. Schools can schedule them for 1-2 weeks at a time for use in a physical education unit. Basic safety practices and bicycle handling skills are then taught to all students. These bicycles have been a great resource to St. Albans City School for the last seven years.
6th Grade Bike Trip
To make completing 6th grade and transitioning to an older school age group special, an annual 6th bike trip was established in 2013. It is facilitated by having the Local Motion/RiseVT trailer here at St. Albans City School for two weeks. Many age groups receive bike safety training from the bicycles in this trailer during that time period. Just before returning the trailer to its owners all 6th graders take an 11 mile ride to the Abbey Restaurant or another nearby picnic area using those training bikes. After a cookout, those that feel able bike back the 11 miles back to school. It is a physical challenge and a bonding experience for student from four separate learning communities. The videos below demonstrate what kids think of the experience. Start with the 2017 episode.
2016 Pictures |
2017 Video |
2018 Video |
2019 Video |
Bicycle Parking and Repair Stand
One of our teachers saw a Fixit bike repair stand while on vacation and thought it would be great if St. Albans City School had one too. The stands are made of galvanized steel and are loaded with weather-resistant bike tools (hex keys, screwdrivers, tire levers and wrenches) attached to the stand with cables. A rugged bicycle pump completes the repair equipment. PEOPLE FOR BIKES provided us the ability to purchase the repair stand and our maintenance staff kindly installed it. It sees regular use by students and community members.