Learning to ride a bike is an essential skill that we often take for granted. It is a rite of passage for many children, marking the transition from being dependent on others to having autonomy and independence. Cycling is also a fun and rewarding activity that improves physical and mental health, develops skills, promotes social interaction and supports the environment.
In good health: One of the most significant advantages of learning to ride a bike is the opportunity to exercise and improve your health. It improves aerobic activity by strengthening the heart, lungs and muscles; while also helping to develop important skills such as balance, coordination and spatial awareness. Regular cycling exercise can also help prevent obesity and related health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Mental Health and Skills Development: Cycling can reduce stress, anxiety and depression, and boost self-confidence. It’s an achievement that requires persistence, practice, and patience. The sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering a new skill can carry over to other areas of life by helping to build self-esteem, resilience, and motivation.
Promote socialization: Cycling can also be a great social activity that connects families and promotes intimacy and quality time. It also provides opportunities to interact with peers and to cultivate and develop friendships.
Environmental and Economic Benefits: Another benefit of learning to ride a bike is its practical benefits. Cycling is an environmentally friendly mode of transportation that promotes sustainability and reduces pollution. They can be used for commuting to work or school, running errands, and exploring new places. Cycling also saves money on gas and parking, and is faster than driving in congested areas.
Tillamook County Health Bike Rodeo
The benefits of cycling extend far beyond childhood, it is a skill that should be encouraged and cultivated throughout life.That’s why Tillamook County Wellness is joining all the kids on bikes and hosting a free bike rodeo at the Tillamook YMCA during Healthy Kids Day, April 29day From 10 am to noon.
The Bicycle Rodeo is an event that teaches children bicycle safety and provides a fun and interactive experience to practice bicycle handling skills. Activities include bike inspections, helmet fittings, obstacle courses, safety demonstrations and entry into a sweepstakes.
This activity helps increase confidence and comfort while cycling, which reduces the risk of bicycle-related injuries and accidents. It is geared towards children K-8day Grade, bicycles will be available or can be brought from home. There will also be a bike modification booth for families to bring in bikes that need minor repairs, such as brake adjustments or a new chain.
Tillamook County Wellness partners with WashCo Bikes to lead the bike race and provide free refurbished bikes to children and adults in need through the Adopt a Bike program.
There are no specific eligibility requirements or age restrictions; however, the program is designed to provide free bikes to those who might not otherwise have access to a bike.
To apply for a bike, the Adopt a Bike Application must be completed by Thursday, April 27thday, 2023. Visit the application link below for more information and to apply. WashCo Bike aims to donate 5,000 bikes to children and families in 2023 and is currently accepting bike and monetary donations to continue supporting this work. If you’re inspired to help, visit their website and scroll down to Donate Now.
Efforts to improve bike paths and outdoor physical activity
Some great efforts are underway in the region to expand bike paths to Tillamook County communities. The coastal portion of the Salmonberry Trail project aims to connect communities from Mohler to Tillamook with bike paths.
This will give community members another mode of transport to commute to get off work, go to the shops, visit neighboring towns and provide a way for children to bike to school safely.
The Tillamook Off Road Trail Alliance (TORTA), a volunteer-based nonprofit organization that builds, maintains and advocates for off-road bike trails, has been supporting the Nestucca Valley School District in building bike skills classes and bike trails.
They also developed a bike trail system called the Buzzard Butte Trail Network, which includes more than 30 miles of bike trails on the east side of Sand Lake between Point Kiwanda and Point Lookout in the USDA Siuslaw National Forest. Information about these programs, as well as other outdoor opportunities and activities happening in our national and state parks, will be provided at the Bike Rodeo.
If you are interested in supporting any of these efforts, please check out the organization and project websites for opportunities to contribute, including donations.
Tillamook County Wellness would like to give a special thanks to the Tillamook Kiwanis Club, whose generous donation sponsored this bike rodeo and future events in the county.
For questions and inquiries about this bike rodeo and Tillamook County Wellness’s future efforts to inspire and promote cycling in the county, please contact Mari Tasche at tasche@ohsu.edu.
