Cycling in winter? Students learn its easier than they think
Youth en Route’s mission is to empower youth to be able to choose to travel by bike. We know it’s fast, cheap and delivers independence.
Our school programs reduce barriers to cycling, with skills, equipment and experiential learning to help youth consider transportation options. We’ve been able to increase bike to school rates at schools significantly.
But what happens when its colder or the routes are covered with snow and ice? With the help of Alberta Ecotrust Climate Improvement Funding, we created a program to show students riding a bike in all seasons is not only possible, but lots of fun.
Starts with the equipment
We purchased studded tires and set about to outfit a fleet of 20 bikes. We are lucky to purchase some Batch Bikes from our partner at Prairie Velo. These are great all-season gravel-type bikes that roll well on studs. We then added a few of our great Kruch Custom Bikes, which are durable, easy to ride and perfect for all-seasons. The result is a fleet of bikes with a range of sizes, geometries and feel.
We then went to find schools and classes interested in providing this learning experience. Outdoor education and outdoor leadership teachers have jumped on board. Curriculum includes dressing for the weather, including gloves, lighting options, understanding route conditions, including learning about the City of Calgary’s pathway clearing map, and the importance of maintaining your bike in winter.
“Many of the outdoor education learning outcomes including risk management, preparation, cooperation and communication in outdoor settings work really well with our cycling units,” explains Kimberley Nelson, Youth en Route’s program manager.
“My favourite thing is seeing the youth engage with an activity they may not normally participate in regularly.,” said Cyclist in Residence Olivia Johnson. “Winter cycling is a concrete reflection on adapting to the environment and elements. It offers a powerful form of experiential learning on adaptability and resiliency.
Mike Rudolf teaches outdoor education at North Trail High School and has included a winter biking unit over the past two years.
“The students had an absolute blast,” says Rudolf. ” Students realized that cycling in Calgary is absolutely possible in the winter… it just takes being prepared with warm clothes, a suitable bike, and an adventurous attitude.
North Trail has 2100 students… which is a massive population of students. Though the catchment is relatively small. Enabling students to ride for recreation, transportation, and enjoyment equips them with a lifelong skillset that they hopefully will carry with them around the neighborhood and possibly even the world,” says Rudolf.
Next step to challenge riders
The students we meet in Calgary’s high schools have varied experience with cycling. As schools where bike ownership levels are high, and many students own bikes, exposing them to winter biking is a great way for them to consider bikes as all-year transportation.
“When we arrive on Monday, many students aren’t too excited about the prospect of winter biking, thinking it will be difficult,” says Nelson. “But by the fourth day, they are asking to ride further from school, suggesting destination and routes. They feel they’ve accomplished something.”
Not all schools are ready for this type of program, at least in a classroom situation. In those cases, we tried to run after school or work with the school’s bike club to provide students keen to learn, the experience of riding on studded tires and on ice and snow.
Now part of our work
What started as an idea with EcoTrust funding is now a key part of our work. Being a confidant all-season cycling is key to mode shift for youth away from cars, to sustainable transportation. When youth know they can easily do short, daily trips by bike all year, they will invest in the equipment they need to be warm and safe.
Our winter program has grown each year, and we expect it to continue as word spread around Youth en Route’s programs in general. We’ll streamline our winter programs to meet the needs of more schools and offer it up to bike clubs next winter. Not only is biking for everyone, its for all seasons.
