Summer means plenty of kids cruising Pelham streets on bicycles, which requires added vigilance by motorists. It also helps to have youngsters trained in safe cycling, and being aware of rules of the road. To that end, the Town of Pelham offers summer cycling camps for local kids, to educate them about the dangers of vehicular traffic, and equip them with the safety skills that are necessary to navigate local streets on two wheels. There are two camps for kids, ages 8 through 12, running July 24 to 28, and August 21 to 25. Both are fully enrolled at this point.
New this year is a teen bike camp designed for campers ages 10 to 15. It runs August 14 to 18 at the Meridian Community Centre, and spaces are still available in the group of 14 riders. An instructor from Ontario Cycling leads the camp, supported by Town of Pelham camp staff. All have first-aid and CPR certifications.
The teen bike camp focuses on safe cycling and skill development, and includes information on braking, gears, pedaling, straight-line riding, slow speed turns, tilts and dismounts, bike-body separation, one-hand riding, pumping, front wheel lifts, and partner riding.
Pelham’s Communications Specialist, Leah Letford, said that “This camp is really designed to give teens an opportunity to build confidence in their skills while cycling safely throughout our community. The students perform a lot of bike drills in the MCC parking lot, and also travel to the Pelham Community Pool via the Steve Bauer Trail for swimming and activities. All must provide their own bike and helmet.”
Find more information at: https://www.pelham.ca/en/recreation-and-leisure/camps.aspx#Teen-Bike-Camp-Ages-10-15.
