Thanks to the BLAST grant, USD 490 elementary schools have a fleet of bicycles and the physical education teachers were trained in basic bicycle maintenance and safety. Second through fifth grade students at Skelly have been introduced to the new bicycles and learned about the A, B, Cs of bike safety.

A is for air. It is important to check the tires before riding. B is for brakes. Students learned how to check the front and back brakes to ensure they are working properly. C is for chain. If the chain is not on correctly, the bicycle will not work. They also talked about checking shoelaces, pants/skirts, or items tied around the waist to make sure there is nothing that could get caught in the chain or spokes as they are riding. One of the biggest safety checks is putting on a helmet. Students learned what a good fit and proper helmet positioning look like.

The BLAST grant also provided course markers and cones so students can practice the rules of the road - which includes staying on the right side of the road or pathway. Some of the bikes are designed so that the pedals can be stowed and students who are new to riding can learn how to balance before trying to add in the pedaling.

Beyond the bicycle safety, rules of the road, and mechanics of riding a bike, students are also learning to try new things and be supportive of peers. They were encouraged to cheer each other on as they rode. For some students, this was the first time they have ever ridden a bike, and it can be scary to try something new.

Skelly has the bicycle trailer Sept. 22-Oct. 2, then it will go to Grandview on Oct. 5. The last two weeks of October will be Blackmore's turn with the new unit.

Shout out to Extend's JAG-K program, which ​will be sending students to help with ​the bicycle lessons ​throughout the next several weeks.