Launching the Mansfield Bicycle Education Program for 4th Graders: A Community Initiative for Sustainable Mobility and Safety

We are excited to announce that starting in Spring 2024, the Mansfield school system will initiate a comprehensive bicycle education program for all its 4th-grade students. Funded by generous community contributions [see names below] and a specialized grant from SustainableCT, this program aims to equip around 100 students each year with essential life skills for safe bicycling. Each participant will also receive a helmet to ensure their safety.

The Inspiration and Framework

Drawing inspiration from the highly successful bike education program in South Windsor schools, BikeWalkCT has tailored a specialized training curriculum and manual for Physical Education teachers across Connecticut. Mansfield PE instructors have already received this resourceful training back in June 2021 and are prepared to deliver an engaging and educational experience for the students.

Timelines and Milestones

Although the original plan was to roll out the program earlier, the construction of the new Mansfield Elementary School resulted in a slight delay. Now that the school is fully operational, the program is all set to begin in the 2023-24 academic year.

Program Structure

The bicycle education program is designed as a blend of classroom learning and hands-on riding sessions. Students will get to practice on bikes that will be securely stored in a 16-foot trailer for future use.

Budget Allocation

The initial financial outlay mainly covers the purchase of:

• Twenty 20 & 24-inch bicycles equipped with flat bars, hand brakes, and gears.
• Two 3-wheeled adaptive bicycles for students with special needs.
• 100 helmets for optimal safety.
• Portable bicycle repair stands and floor-type tire pumps for maintenance.
• A 12×12-foot EZup canopy, floor tarp, folding table and chairs, and a whiteboard and markers for instructional use.
• Supplementary items including signs, traffic cones, pavement chalk, sandwich boards, and basic repair materials like bike tubes, patches, tire levers, and rubber cement.
• An 8.5 x 16-foot trailer for secure storage of up to 25 bikes.

The Mansfield Bicycle Education Program stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to prioritize sustainable mobility and safety for its younger generation. We are excited to see this program come to life and are optimistic about the long-lasting impact it will have on our students.