Two hundred lucky second graders in Washington, D.C. received new bikes, helmets, and locks after spending the year learning about bike safety. This marks the first time that students graduating from the D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) bike riding program, which has been running for nearly a decade, got to take home their own cycling gear.
Before handing out the bikes, DCPS Chancellor Lewis Ferebee quizzed the students on bike safety. "There’s an A, there’s a B, and there’s a C. Hopefully, you know what each ... I see hands up already," Ferebee said. The children, seated at the Kenilworth Recreation Center, eagerly responded: “A” stands for air, “B” for brakes, and “C” for chains and cranks. This mnemonic helps ensure the kids check their tires, brakes, and chains before riding.
Mayor Muriel Bowser attended the Graduation on Wheels event, highlighting the health benefits of biking. “Being outside is healthy for you, right? When you are outside you can play with your friends, right?” she asked, receiving enthusiastic “Yes” replies from the kids.
After the speeches, the students tested their new bikes at a pop-up traffic garden in nearby Kenilworth Park. They navigated through curves, stop signs, and volunteers wearing yellow vests and waving black and white checkered flags.
The bikes were donated by D.C. Bike Ride, organizers of the annual 20-mile citywide cycling event, with helmets provided by the Bell brand. Other partners included Care First, Events D.C., and JK Moving Services, which transported the bikes back to schools after the test ride.
The students came from seven schools across Wards 7 and 8, including Patterson, Hendley, and C.W. Harris Elementary Schools.
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Photo: Getty