Grassroots effort in Topeka brings bicycling back to kids, in school setting

By Andy Fry,  Topeka Community Cycle Project

Over the last three years, the Topeka Bike Lesson and Safety Training (BLAST) program has reached more than 2,500 Topeka elementary age children, with plans to continue by either utilizing the gym space or outdoors when weather allows.  Grant funding made it possible to purchase the transport trailer and fleet of kids’ bicycles.

Providing the basic understanding of operating a bicycle around their neighborhood as well as basic handling skills better prepares these children to not only ride safe when out enjoying their community with their family, but also prepares them to be considerate road users as adults. In addition, there are typically some students unfamiliar with riding who have not yet had exposure to a bicycle. We provide starter bikes, called balance bikes, and a brief course to get them used to riding and then proceed with pedals and the functional coursework.

With the courses taught in the USD 501 Physical Education curriculum, this program allows the instructor to bring real world safety and healthy activity concepts into the classroom. Teachers have reported children are engaging and enjoying the opportunity to be active on bicycles during their school day.

Currently, all the materials and equipment necessary to operate the program are in place and working effectively. The Topeka Community Cycle Project has partnered with the Shawnee County Health Department and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment through the Chronic Disease Risk Reduction grant to fund an education position to staff the BLAST program and help teachers in the school setting. BLAST allows children to understand some of the physics and science surrounding movement on a bicycle as well as enjoy exploring their community.

Students line up with their bikes as part of their participation in Topeka's Bike Lesson and Safety Training program. 

The Topeka Community Cycle Project (TCCP) is partnered with USD 501 Topeka Public Schools and Safe Kids Shawnee County (Safe Kids) to offer Topeka Bike Lessons and Safety Tools BLAST programming in Topeka's elementary schools. Topeka Community Foundation (TCF) and Heartland Healthy Neighborhoods (HHN), through the Kansas Health Foundation, provided donations and grants needed to launch the program. TCCP applied for the Healthy Initiatives grant from TCF.

The Topeka Community Cycle project strives to broaden access to cycling in the city through education and bike repair..  

The Topeka Community Cycle Project is a 501(c)3 nonprofit community bicycle shop. TCCP strives to broaden access to cycling in Topeka through hands-on education and bike repair and is located at 801 NE Poplar. TCCP is open Thursdays from 5 - 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Through a partnership with the Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Department, TCCP is housed in the Oakland Community Center and is open to allow individuals to come and work on their bike for free, as well as earn and learn about bicycles while volunteering. TCCP is currently developing several other programs this summer with Shawnee County Parks and Rec and other community organizations to bring safe, healthy experiences in Topeka.

Please contact TCCP at andy@cycleproject.org if you are interested in participating in BLAST as a volunteer or have another interest in partnership or programming or give us a call at(785) 380-9827.