On a recent afternoon – after the end of the school day – 19 refurbished bikes, with tires pumped up and chains newly greased, stood waiting for their new owners in the Leesburg Elementary School gym. The bikes were part of a series of bike distribution events organized by Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) Safe Routes to School program and involved several community partners. The Safe Routes to School program also hosted a similar event at Sterling Middle School.
According to Kelly Smit, Safe Routes to School coordinator, fifteen of the bikes were donated by Maverick Bikes, a bike shop in Leesburg. The shop refurbished the bikes and delivered them to the Leesburg Elementary event. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office also donated four refurbished bikes for this distribution. Doug Landau of Abrams & Landau, Ltd. donated new helmets for each student. He also attended the distribution to help fit the helmets and to provide other support. Lisa Campbell of Bike Loudoun supported the event by helping make sure each student's bike fit properly and providing some basic guidance to students who did not know how to ride a bike. Also in attendance were the Leesburg Elementary Family Liaisons who helped connect the students and their families with the program.
In addition, each student received a bike lock and bike light provided through a Virginia Department of Transportation QuickStart grant. “We have to make sure everyone stays safe on their new bike,” explained Smit.
Smit said bikes are important to the students of this Title I school as they provide basic transportation, a way to get around their neighborhoods and a way to be with their friends. Smit explained that the Safe Routes to School program also distributes bikes to middle and high schools. For the older students, having a bike provided transportation not only to school but also to jobs.
As the event progressed, the students entered the gym with their parents. Appropriately sized bikes had already been selected for them. Smit and fellow Safe Routes to School coordinator Janice Jennings paired the refurbished bike with its new owner and had them select a helmet. Campbell gently provided guidance to those who needed it or cheered those who did not. Landau helped adjust seats or pump tires up a bit more. The parents expressed their thanks and the students grinned, visibly excited to be the proud new owners of these bikes.
Published June 28, 2024