Looking for a fun, active way to spend time after school and earn your very own bicycle? The Puyallup School District’s Youth Development Bike Program is calling all Emerald Ridge students to hop on new opportunity sponsored by the Cascade Bicycle Club and funded by the Washington’s Climate Commitment Act.
Students who complete the program can earn a free bike, helmet, light and lock. The program is open to all ERHS students, but is limited to about 10 students. Students are encouraged to sign up fast by reaching out to Mr. Hill in Room 123 or by emailing him at [email protected].
Participants will ride after school twice per week for three months. In addition to free gear, students will:
- Build Skills: Learn how to ride safely, fix your bike, and understand cycling laws.
- Grow as a Leader: Develop teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance.
- Connect Locally: Ride with peers, staff, and community members while promoting sustainable transportation.
- Make a Difference: Be part of a statewide movement aiming to serve 10,000 youth across Washington.
Here is copy of the information letter for parents/guardians:
We are thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for our students in grades 6-12: the Youth Development Biking Program! This program has been designed to empower young people by fostering responsibility, perseverance, and a sense of achievement.
The Youth Development Program has been made possible through a partnership with Cascade Bicycle Club (CBC), a dedicated organization that designed and implemented this initiative in collaboration with supporting community partners, and the Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. Together, they have worked to develop the program to meet the unique needs of youth in our community, ensuring it provides maximum benefit to participants.
Here’s how the program works:
Participation: Students will have the chance to earn their own bicycle by completing a series of activities during or after school, including workshops on bike safety and maintenance. Youth participating in the program will receive a bike, helmet, lock, and light.
Skill Building: In addition to earning a bike and learning how to ride, students will gain valuable skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and self-discipline. Students will prepare for bike ownership and usage by engaging in community rides, practicing maintenance and repair skills, and learning cycling laws and safety practices.
Community Focus: The program emphasizes the importance of contributing to our community, helping students feel connected and inspired. The program aims to serve 10,000 youth across Washington state, encouraging active transportation and fostering lifelong cycling habits.
We are proud to support an initiative that not only promotes healthy lifestyles and transportation options but also instills valuable life skills.
Our Youth Development Bike Program is funded with a grant from WSDOT and is administered by Cascade Bicycle Club. The funding comes from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.
Thank you for your support in helping us provide meaningful opportunities for our students. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this program will have on our school community and beyond.
Warmest regards,
Andrea McCauley-Toth
Youth Development Coordinator
Student Success Department
