Editor's note: This is part two of a five-part series between the Coast Reporter and Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) featuring cycling programs and improvements by several organizations on the Coast.
For such a small area, the Sunshine Coast should be proud of the 'big' role it plays in the bike education arena.
The passion for riding spans Sprockids program to Cap University's mountain bike operations (MBO) program. As we celebrate and nurture our trail riding accomplishments - programs like LIFECycle's road safety training and events like Bike to Work week highlight the opportunities for more commuters riding.
Last Saturday, the 22-hectare Sprockids Park managed by SCRD, celebrated its 20th year anniversary at Sprockids Fun Day with 250 participants.
The overwhelming attendance of children and youth is a testament of the community support of the Sprockids program philosophy.
Elementary school teacher Doug Detwiller created the program as a way to "involve young people in the lifelong healthy sport of mountain biking, while teaching them the skills, values and strategies to succeed in school and life."
After 22 years, the program is now delivered in 19 countries and has worked with thousands of kids including national team member Katherine Short and Coastal Crew members Dylan Dunkerton and Curtis Robinson (www.sprockids.com).
Passion for the Sprockids program is also reflected in the MBO program. Students learn about the mountain bike industry including tourism, wilderness first aid, marketing, risk management, environmental stewardship, guiding and sustainable trail design.
Top industry experts such as Jay Hoots, Daniel Scott, Kelli Sherbinin and Darren Butler deliver the curriculum. Graduates work for various organizations as guides, trail builders, marketers and more. Program convenor Caroline Dépatie believes the program legitimizes mountain biking as an important tourism product with economic, social and environmental benefits for communities.
"In everything we teach we recognize that our students are our future land managers, trail designers, instructors and industry leaders," she said.
This idea resonates with Martin Prestage who runs LIFECycle, a Roberts Creek based business offering road and cycling safety programs for youth.
LIFECycle aims to give young riders the skills and confidence to safely navigate the roads near home and school.
"By providing road safety programs, LIFECycle also helps youth feel confident and safe riding the roads to get to the trails," said Prestage.
These widely adopted programs reach municipalities and schools throughout the Lower Mainland and up to Whitehorse, Yukon. This semester their programs will reach five Sunshine Coast elementary schools (www.lifecycle.ca).
"Increasing commuter riding involves many aspects. With the lessons and skills from Capilano University's program and the passion of Sprockids I'm sure we can help increase Coast commuter ridership," he said.
Dépatie agrees.
"Roads and trails connect many places on the coast by bike. Connecting the learning makes sense too," she said.
Editor's note: In the May 11 edition our series continues focusing on sustainable trail design and building.
