Beginning Oct. 20, WABA will bring this weeklong program to nearly 20 Public Charter Schools across the city. Designed for grades 2–8, Bike Week takes place during regular physical education classes and provides everything needed for students to participate: bikes, helmets, equipment, and a proven curriculum.
“We come in with a fleet of bikes and set up a course in the gym, on the playground, or even a basketball court,” said Trey Robinson, WABA’s Youth Education Manager. “Students practice skills like safe stopping, hand signals, helmet fitting, and traffic awareness. And they don’t even need to know how to ride a bike to participate; we meet them where they are.”
Bike Week has been running since 2015, and its impact is growing. Last school year, more than 2,000 students gained confidence on two wheels. Some had never ridden a bike before, and the program gave them the chance to learn in a supportive environment alongside their peers.
The ultimate goal? Teaching kids lifelong skills that empower them to move safely and independently around the city. “We see a future where students get to choose how they get around,” Robinson explained. “Biking is not only the quickest way to get around DC, but it’s also healthy, sustainable, and fun.”
Though this year’s slots are almost filled, schools can still join the waitlist and will receive priority outreach for future sessions. The schools that have signed up thus far include: Social Justice School, Paul Public Charter School, Lee Montessori - East End, Harmony DC PCS, Center City Petworth, Elsie Whitlow Stokes - East End, Two Rivers 4th St., Rocketship PCS - Rise Academy, KIPP DC- Spring Academy PCS, Washington Global PCS,Center City PCS - Capitol Hill, Mary McLeod Bethune Academy PCS, Elsie Whitlow Stokes - Brookland, Sela PCS, Early Childhood Academy PCS, Ingenuity Prep, Friendship PCS - Chamberlain.
Bike Week is more than a physical education or PE class, it’s a chance to spark a love of biking and build safer communities.
Schools interested in being added to the waitlist should contact Trey Robinson at [email protected].