A bike program in Fruita is giving students the opportunity to learn bike skills and give back to the community. The program, called Fruita Bike Buddies, is a partnership between Fruita Monument High School and the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association (COPMOBA).
How the Program Works
Fruita Bike Buddies is a program that pairs high school students with elementary school students who want to learn how to ride a bike. The high school students act as mentors and coaches, teaching the younger kids the basics of bike safety, maintenance, and riding. The program also involves trail building and maintenance, where the students help COPMOBA with their projects in the Fruita area.
The program runs for six weeks, with two sessions per week. Each session lasts for two hours, and includes a bike lesson, a trail work session, and a group ride. The program provides bikes, helmets, and tools for the participants, thanks to donations from local bike shops and organizations.
What the Program Aims to Achieve
Fruita Bike Buddies is a program that aims to promote bike culture, education, and service in Fruita. The program hopes to inspire the students to develop a lifelong passion for biking and the outdoors, as well as a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the trails and the environment. The program also fosters positive relationships and social skills among the students, as they learn from each other and work together.
The program coordinator, John Howe, who is also a teacher at Fruita Monument High School, said that the program is beneficial for both the high school and elementary school students. “The high school students get to be leaders and role models, and the elementary school students get to have fun and learn new skills,” he said. “It’s a win-win situation for everyone.”
How the Program Impacts the Community
Fruita Bike Buddies is a program that impacts the community in various ways. The program helps to create and maintain trails that are used by bikers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. The program also contributes to the local economy, as Fruita is known as a bike destination that attracts tourists and visitors. The program also enhances the quality of life and well-being of the residents, as biking is a healthy and enjoyable activity that can reduce stress and improve mood.
The program has received positive feedback and support from the community, especially from the parents of the elementary school students. One of the parents, Amy Smith, said that her son, who is in fourth grade, loves the program and has learned a lot from it. “He has gained confidence, skills, and friends from the program,” she said. “He always comes home with a smile on his face and stories to tell.”
