SVBC Helps Good Karma Kick Off Summer Camp

Like kids waiting for the last bell on the last day of school, SVBC and Good Karma Bikes couldn’t wait to enjoy the warm summer days! SVBC happily accepted Good Karma Bikes’ invitation to kick off its Summer Camp for Teens with a biking skills workshop.The morning began with a discussion about the basics of biking – proper helmet fit, hand signals, rules of the road, and various tips that will help these kids “be seen and be safe” while out and about on two wheels. Next, they put their newfound knowledge to the test on a bike skills course, where they practiced entering an intersection, looking for traffic, and making turns while using hand signals.After mastering the bike skills course, the group took a break and competed for the title of “slowest” bike rider in the always-popular Snail Race competition. This is the “anti-race,” where the last person across the finish line is the winner. It’s a great way for kids (and adults!) to fine-tune their balancing skills on the bike. The kids were having so much fun that Good Karma staff couldn’t resist getting in on the action.The grand finale of the morning was the group bike ride, where the kids donned neon vests and rode along bike lanes, narrow neighborhood roads, and trails. The group stopped to observe trail etiquette, learn about “sharrows” (which direct car drivers to take special care in sharing the road with bicyclists), practice proper crosswalk use by walking their bikes, and checking for traffic.All of these activities helped the kids feel more confident while riding their bikes, and SVBC staff enjoyed working with them. After the workshop, the participants continued with the two-week camp by learning how to fix a flat tire, clean the drivetrain, and how to build a bike from scratch. At the end of the camp, each participant will have earned a donated bike from Good Karma, along with the know-how and ins-and-outs of essential bike repair.We look forward to being a part of the July Summer Camp for Teens!