OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. — A new program is helping first graders in West Ottawa Public Schools learn how to ride a bike, while also learning valuable skills.
The Panther Fund, a group that helps provide financial assistance and equal opportunities for students at West Ottawa Public Schools, along with West Michigan organization Velo Kids, is providing the lessons for all West Ottawa first graders.
"It's about teaching kids to be safe on bicycle and understand that it's something that can be fun, and if it's done safely, a really good experience," said Taylor Otteman, president of The Panther Fund.
District leaders tell 13 ON YOUR SIDE they were alarmed at how many of their older elementary kids didn't know how to ride a bike and say the two groups stepped up to help provide these free lessons.
The lesson features what's called a balance bike. It's a bike without pedals that helps put kids on an even playing field and teach valuable skills, says Jenny White, Velo Kids' executive director.
"A balance bike is really a good neutral bike where students of all abilities can bike," said White. "Whether they can bike or not, they can still learn things..."
This program is also about breaking down barriers to be able to provide lessons to all students, regardless of their background.
"Programs like this are important because it helps kids that don't have the opportunity or the equity of access to ride a bike on their own," said Otteman. "It provides them that experience to really start to engage with a bicycle."
The Panther Fund leaders hope to continue this programs and look to start new initiatives to reach more kids within the district in the future.