PedNet Helps New Cyclists Get Rolling
November 19, 2011
by Nate Herndon
The PedNet Coalition trained and equipped new cyclists in Columbia this past year through a program called Earn-A-Bike. Funded by a grant from the Center for Disease Control, PedNet’s education coordinator Gina Overshiner and cycling instructor Joe Silsby have expanded Columbia’s cycling community by 86 riders.
The program, according to Overshiner, was intended to “help low income individuals develop healthy habits…and to provide them with reliable transportation.”
Students came through the Earn-a-Bike program, Refugee Services, and the Moving Ahead Bike Club, a cycling group for kids. “By having income level requirements,” said Overshiner, “we are reaching people who have a real economic need for a bicycle.”
Earn-a-Bike program bicycles were donated by Columbia citizens, then refurbished and equipped with the proper equipment to ensure a safe ride. Bikes were commonly outfitted with new tires, lights for nighttime riding, and other accessories as needed. The new cyclists were also given a bike lock and the tools to repair flat tires, including a bike pump.
Riders were required to participate in a class prior to receiving their free, refurbished bicycle. “By requiring that people take a bike class, we are getting people who have an investment of their time in earning a bike,” noted Overshiner. Certified instructors of the League of American Bicyclists, one of who was Silsby, performed bicycle safety and new rider training.
Financial support for the programs came from a grant PedNet received last year. “The [Healthy Habits] grant was instrumental in getting us the funding to teach classes…and the funding to purchase bike accessories and parts,” said Overshiner. Refugee and Immigration Services also assisted in equipping the new cyclists. The grant period ended on September 30 of this year, halting classes until further funding can be obtained. A waiting list is being compiled for future classes, but Overshiner is uncertain when that will happen.
An article about part of the program was written for American Bicyclists Magazine. Read You are the King of the Lane
.
