MVP Health Care Helps Local Motion

Still a Few Slots Left for Schools to Sign Up

Posted April 14, 2011

This year, upwards of one thousand kids across Chittenden County will become more skilled and confident bike riders through Local Motion’s Bike Smart program, sponsored by MVP Health Care.  Throughout the summer, Local Motion will work with parks & recreation departments across the region to offer bike skills camps and trainings for kids in grades K through 8.  During spring and fall, physical education teachers and after-school program staff from Burlington, Essex and surrounding community schools will be able to implement Local Motion’s innovative bike skills curriculum, and will be given free use of Local Motion’s Bike Smart trailer with 33 youth bikes and all the equipment and supplies needed to run top-quality trainings.

“The Bike Smart curriculum get kids on bikes within a half-hour of the start of the program and keeps them riding almost nonstop through to the end,” said Jason Van Driesche, Local Motion’s education and safety program manager.  “Kids emerge from our trainings transformed and full of confidence as bike riders.  It’s hard work, but it is one of the most important things we do.”

Local Motion’s bike skills training program is growing in partnership with MVP Health Care, the exclusive 2011 business sponsor for the program.  “MVP Health Care is proud to help such a worthwhile bike safety program grow,” said Rebecca Couture, MVP’s field marketing manager for New Hampshire and Vermont.  “Arming young people with skills and confidence to navigate the roads is a perfect match with MVP’s dedication to helping families get out and active.”

There are still slots available for schools to sign up to build bike skills into PE classes or after-school programs this spring.  For more information, contact Jason Van Driesche at jason@localmotion.org or 861-2700 x109.

Thanks to our many other partners:  VTrans, Center for Health and Learning, Fletcher Allen Health Care, the Vermont Health Foundation, Kohl’s for Kids, Skirack, Maaco of South Burlington, Airbrush Ron, and others.  For more information, visit http://www.localmotion.org/education/bikeskillstraining