Valley Community Elementary students enjoyed a day of bicycle and pedestrian safety during their regular PE class on Thursday. Heidi Skildum and Elizabeth Makarewicz of Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness Initiative were accompanied by Nick Sobocinski from the Iowa Bicycle Coalition Kids on the Move Team in presenting safety education to all of Valley’s elementary students. The day also coincided with National Walk to School Month and the opening of a new trail which can be used by students walking or biking to school.
Students received different lessons based on their age, K-2 students went on a virtual walk from Elgin Library to Valley Elementary, practicing “stop, look, and listen” before crossing any intersection, they also learned to look left-right-left before crossing the street. Personal visibility was also emphasized, students talked about the best colors to wear when walking or biking.
Third and Fourth graders learned about proper helmet fit and conducted a pre-ride ABC bicycle check (Air, Brakes, Chain) before taking the virtual walk and learning safe pedestrian behavior. Class ended with exciting relay races on the mini bikes brought by the Iowa Bicycle Coalition
The fifth and sixth grade students learned bicycle hand signals in addition to proper helmet fit and the ABC bicycle check. They learned about being good role models for younger students and the importance of abiding the law while riding a bicycle and crossing the street. Class concluded with more mini bike relay races.
Along with a day of safety education the Iowa Bicycle Coalition gave away 50 brand new helmets to students in grades 4-6. The day was huge success for all who were involved. The Iowa Bicycle Coalition and the Food and Fitness initiative will continue their partnership with hopes of providing education to all the elementary age students in the 5 county region of Northeast Iowa.