Cycling Smarts brings free cycling education back to Waterloo classrooms

A new cycling education program is rolling into local elementary schools this June.

The Cycling Smarts Pilot Program is a collaboration between the City of Waterloo, the Waterloo Region District School Board, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region, and The Working Centre. The program teaches Grade 5 students how to ride safely and confidently in an urban environment. The program is offered at no cost to families and is designed to include all students, including those with mobility needs and those who have never ridden a bike before.

“Learning does not stop at the classroom door, and neither does our commitment to our students," said Annalisa Varano, Director of Education and Chief Executive Officer of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. "The Cycling Smarts Pilot Project is a powerful reminder of what becomes possible when school boards, municipalities, and community organizations come together around a shared belief in young people. Our students will gain practical skills, build resilience, and develop a deeper connection to the community they call home. At the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, we are honoured to be part of that journey."

"The Cycling Smarts Pilot Program is a great example of how strong community partnerships create meaningful opportunities for students," said Scott Miller, Chief Executive Officer of the Waterloo Region District School Board. "This program will give students the opportunity to build confidence, independence and practical life skills in a safe and supportive environment. Regardless of their experience or ability, students will develop healthy habits, strengthen their sense of belonging in the community, and gain the skills they need to navigate their world safely and confidently."

Early access to cycling education is a proven way to build lifelong active transportation habits. Cycling is a healthy, affordable and accessible way for children and youth to get around, and the City of Waterloo’s growing network of urban cycling routes gives them real options to do so. Learning to ride at a younger age also builds a sense of freedom and agency that organizers hope every participating student will carry with them. By reaching children whose parents may not cycle themselves, the program helps provide access to active transportation and supports local efforts toward Bicycle Friendly Communities recognition.

“It’s with future cyclists in mind that we continually expand our active transportation network. The City of Waterloo is recognized as a Gold Bicycle Friendly Community with over 230 km of trails, bike lanes and signed bike routes connecting cyclists to key destinations in the city. Cycling supports a healthy lifestyle, environmental sustainability and provides more options for getting around,” said Chris Hodgson, Manager, Active Transportation at the City of Waterloo.

"I'm so glad that Cycling Smarts is bringing comprehensive cycling education to Grade 5 students in the City of Waterloo, and I know first-hand how valuable this experience can be for kids," said Philip Martin, founder of Cycling Into The Future, the program after which Cycling Smarts is modelled. "This training will help older children ride more safely in their communities, and it will provide many other benefits — physical activity, an earth-friendly way to get around, something fun to do with friends. I'm grateful that The Working Centre and the City of Waterloo are picking up where Cycling Into The Future left off."

"Recycle Cycles is thrilled to be partnering on this pilot program, and the response from the schools has been amazing," said Cassandra Polyzou of The Working Centre. "Our team is really excited to share their love of cycling with the kids and leave them with valuable skills to stay safe on the road."

The Cycling Smarts curriculum blends classroom lessons with on-the-bike practice. Students learn the core mechanics of riding alongside the road safety rules and shoulder-checking habits that keep them visible and aware. They practice navigating intersections and roundabouts, positioning themselves safely around parked and stopped vehicles, and applying a defensive-riding mindset that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

"Children deserve to travel public spaces with their families and independently, as their maturity allows, and Cycling Smarts helps them develop the skills and awareness to do so," said Keith Prudham, General Manager of Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region. "We are excited to work with this partnership to make it happen."

Cycling Smarts will run at St. Nicholas Catholic Elementary School from June 1 to 5 and at Lincoln Heights Public School from June 15 to 19. Two additional schools are expected to provide the program in the fall.

Media Contact:

Lema Salaymeh
Senior Manager of Communications
Waterloo Catholic District School Board
Lema.Salaymeh@wcdsb.ca

Estefanía Brandenstein
Communications Officer
Waterloo Region District School Board
Estefania_Brandenstein@wrdsb.ca

Stacey Abbott
Corporate Communications Manager
City of Waterloo
Stacey.Abbott@waterloo.ca