Kevin Marston

CYCLE Kids

Since 2004, CYCLE Kids has engaged children in physical activity to address the health and emotional issues facing today's under-active, often overweight, children. Our program gives communities the knowledge and materials they need to educate children and families on the importance of adopting healthy, active lifestyles. The CYCLE Kids program is about healthy kids; healthy kids are active kids with active minds. The program introduces children and families to the importance of physical activity, healthy eating, safety, and community all in one setting. The curriculum teaches bicycle skills and healthy eating habits in order to combat the climbing rates of childhood obesity, as well as the resulting physical and psychological consequences. By giving students new knowledge about exercise and healthy eating, we give them the ability to adopt better habits and behaviors that can become a lasting way of life. The program is both experiential and academic. In physical education classes, students get outside and ride bikes during the school day with their teachers and local police officers, learning valuable bike safety skills. In the academic classroom, students are inspired to read and write about nutrition and their biking experiences in their literacy classes. Tapping into the joy of the biking experience, kids develop healthy lives, build new skills and confidence, form new ties with classmates, and make positive connections with mentors as well as their community.