Youth cycling in B.C. bolstered by iRide and Sprockids joining forces
After school programs help to introduce the next generation to cycling, B.C.'s forests and mountains with the support and guidance of trained leaders
Sprockids and iRide have teamed up to further develop cycling amoung kids in B.C. helping them to get involved in cycling at a young age. Cycling BC’s iRide program has created a new initiative with the Sprockids program to help grow community after-school programs. iRide gives young people opportunities to experience cycling in safe and fun programs across the province while connecting school and youth cycling groups. Sprockids runs after school, spring break and summer programs for kids to learn and develop the skills of cycling.
“Over the past 27 years I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with a large number of energetic young people who have embraced cycling and made it part of their daily lives,” explained Sprockids founder Doug Detwiller. “Sprockids programs are being run across all regions of Canada, as well as over 21 countries globally.”
The new program seeks to continue to develop the sport by helping familiarizing kids with the activity of cycling at a young age. “The new initiative with Cycling BC, iRide Sprockids, will create a strong cycling legacy for children throughout British Columbia,” Detwiller said. “Not only will more young people become engaged in cycling, there will also be opportunities for high school students to take on leadership roles and eventually become trained Sprockids Leaders. The future for youth cycling in BC is looking very bright!”
iRide provides development grants to help teachers, parents, youth cyclists, industry employees and community leaders to help development enthusiasm for cycling. iRide coordinator Ben Chaddock explained the impact the program has already made and what it hopes to accomplish with the new partnership. “iRide’s school program has experienced huge growth over the past two years and since 2013, iRide has coached over 25,000 students in British Columbia,” Chaddock explained. “But we have been missing the next step, community after-school programs that are fun and affordable for kids and easy to start and manage for neighbourhood leaders.”
Recipients of the grant will receive National Coaching Certification Program coach training, Sprockids training, and coach and participant insurance for their programs. Also provided will be an iRide backpack with teaching tools, first aid supplies and manuals. The chosen programs will also receive administrative support to help with registration, permits and advertising to allow organizers to focus on creating a successful iRide Sprockids experience for their participants.
“For many of us the concept of having to teach young people ‘How to Play’ may sound strange, but in our society young people do not always possess the knowledge or confidence to gather their friends together and explore the world around them,” Detwiller said about the importance such programs play in youth development.
“The iRide Sprockids initiative can help us introduce the next generation to our forests, mountains, and urban landscapes with the support and guidance of a trained leader,” he elaborated on the benefits of the new program. “iRide Sprockids leaders are trained to address the key components of healthy child development, and by working together, iRide and Sprockids are positioned to help young people and their families discover the unique and magical world of cycling.”
Upcoming coach courses:
Feb. 18-19 – Qualicum Beach – Register
March 11-12 – Kelowna – Register
March 25-26 – Prince George – Register
April 1-2 – Vancouver – Register
To learn more about iRide Sprockids visit cyclingbc.net/iride, iRide Sprockids page or sprockids.com
