Blog by our 2025-26 PHENN Fellow, Henridell Davermand
We are excited to share that the Spring 2026 Bike Explorers season is officially underway at Lewis Elkins Elementary School. Now in its second season at Lewis Elkins, the program continues to engage third and fourth grade students in riding and skill building.
Led by Head Coach Gabe and Coach and BCGP Board Member, Sharon, the program is off to a strong start with students eager to participate and learn new skills.
The season began with a focus on foundational skills to help students feel prepared before getting on their bikes. Students practiced balance, learned how to properly fit their helmets, and were introduced to what it means to be a safe rider.
This season also includes an expanded focus on bike maintenance as part of the curriculum. In the opening weeks, students were introduced to the ABCs, Air, Brakes, and Chain, which help build a foundation for safe riding. Riders are also learning what it means to be a safe cyclist, including wearing appropriate clothing and finding the right helmet fit.
Students are gaining hands-on experience putting air in their tires, checking their chains, and becoming familiar with different parts of the bike. With support from coaches, they have also assisted with adjusting seat height, handlebar stems, and removing a tire. Through this process, students are learning how to take an active role in caring for their bikes and build a sense of independence.
Students have now transitioned into riding this week, where they are learning how to steer, maintain control and balance, and safely navigate turns.
By combining riding with maintenance skills, Bike Explorers is helping students feel more comfortable using their bikes and understand how to take care of them. For many students, this is their first time learning how to care for their own bike.
With strong leadership from coaches and continued support from school partners, the first cohort is setting the tone for a successful spring season. We look forward to seeing these students continue to grow and develop their skills in the weeks ahead.
Founded in 1972, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia leads the movement, through advocacy and education, to make every bicycle ride safe, to empower youth and adults to ride, and to foster a ridership that reflects the diversity of the region. Read more about our work at bicyclecoalition.org.