((PKG)) MORE KIDS ON TWO WHEELS
((Banner: Confidence on Wheels))
((Reporter: Faiza Elmasry))
((Camera: Adam Greenbaum))
((Adapted by: Zdenko Novacki))
((Map: Millersville, Maryland))
((Pop-Up Banner: Pedal Power Kids teaches young ones bicycle education))
((NATS))
((Rachel Van, Cycling Instructor, Pedal Power Kids))
The way that we turn on a bike is actually by leaning. Sometimes people think that, you know, you turn on a bike using the handlebars and you see little kids going like this to steer and then they fall over. But, we really turn by leaning.
((NATS))
((Rachel Van, Cycling Instructor, Pedal Power Kids))
It is probably the biggest confidence booster. It gives kids such a sense of independence and agency in a world that is increasingly, gives them less independence. So, all of a sudden, they can decide where they're going and they can make small choices through the day, at bike camp or in their neighborhood that maybe they aren't otherwise, they weren't able to do before.
((NATS))
I'm riding down this way.
Does anybody remember what the A-B-C quick check is?
A is for air.
A is for air. We have to check out tires before we ride!
All the way up and all the way down!
Nice.
((NATS))
((Rachel Van, Cycling Instructor, Pedal Power Kids))
We want to make sure that our brakes work before we find ourselves at the top of the hill about to go down.
((NATS))
((Rachel Van, Cycling Instructor, Pedal Power Kids)) We want to make sure that our chain doesn't have any junk in it, like leaves or stuff from last winter.
((NATS))
((Rachel Van, Cycling Instructor, Pedal Power Kids))
From balance to pedaling to all of those skills like turning, starting, stopping etc. And then really get them, you know, enamored with riding and make it something that was part of their daily lives.
((NATS))
Big power start. There you go buddy.
((Rachel Van, Cycling Instructor, Pedal Power Kids))
Big one is really eyes up and forward. A lot of kids struggle with eyes on the ground. They're looking for their pedals but obviously that doesn't allow them to see what's going on around them.
((Fiona, Bike Rider))
I feel like I want to go as fast as I can.
((Rachel Van, Cycling Instructor, Pedal Power Kids))
We have programs for kids as young as 18 months old. So, if you can walk, you can be on a balance bike, you can get your feet on the ground and start learning that motion.
((NATS))
((Rachel Van, Cycling Instructor, Pedal Power Kids))
We probably won't be playing lacrosse when we're 75 or 80, but we certainly can be riding a bike.
((NATS))
Well, we're looking both ways. No car traffic is coming.
No.
All right. Lead us out Avery.
((NATS))
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