Too Much Sports And Not Enough Exercise
Wheel Life column - 19 June, 1999
by Todd Litman and Suzanne Kort - Victoria Transport Policy Institute

Some children are getting too much sports and not enough exercise according to a recent New York Times article ("No Work for a Bicycle Thief: Children Pedal Around Less" June 7, 1999). The article reported that many kids never walk or cycle to school, in part because busy after-school sport schedules require parents to chauffeur them by car.

Of course, children are just mimicking their parents. Look at the crowded parking lots at health clubs caused by people who drive there to pedal a stationary bicycle.

What is wrong with this picture? It means our lives become fractured, with no integration between travel, exercise and recreation. Many people spend so much of their day fighting traffic they have no energy left to exercise or enjoy themselves. It also increases traffic congestion, road and parking costs, traffic accidents and pollution, and creates a landscape designed for cars rather than humans.

But many people in our community have discovered that it is possible and preferable to integrate exercise into their lives by walking or bicycling for transportation whenever possible. We are pleased to see more bicycle commuters than ever. So many children cycle to school in our part of town that bike racks overflow during mild weather.

We can do a lot to encourage good riding skills and help make cycling a positive lifelong addiction for children. Adults can set an example by cycling and walking for short trips. Our communities can do much more to accommodate non-motorized transportation by retrofitting the street system to make it safer for cyclists and pedestrians.

Parents can offer children bicycle training and fun activities that are appropriate for each age level. There are plenty of opportunities. This summer children 9 to 14 years old can learn road riding safety, bike mechanics, and mountain bike skills at the "Total Bike Camp" taught by Andy Wade, a mountain bike enthusiast and UVic student who plans to become a high school teacher.

The bike camp meets at the Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. July 5 through 9 or August 16 through 20. After in-class sessions, participants practice riding skills to nearby destinations like Beacon Hill Park and the Galloping Goose Trail. They get to revel in true dirt on the last day of camp at the Hartland Mountain Bike Park. The camp costs $95 per week. Call 361-0704 to register.

The Saanich Commonwealth Place also has cycling activities in July and August, including the week-long "Ultimate Bike Camp" for 8 to 11 year olds, and "Earthriders" wilderness cycling for 10 to 15 year old at Shawnigan Lake. The community centre offers week long Bike Smarts classes for 7 to 12 year olds. The class teaches bike handling skills, and how to identify, avoid and cope with road hazards. Certified instructors teach the on-road component of the program.

Teachers can participate in a half-day cycling education workshop at the Provincial Intermediate Teachers Conference at Spectrum School, October 23. Contact Willows Elementary school teacher, Gary Garraway at 721-0457 or e-mail garraway@islandnet.com for more information. For a Bike Smarts kit, call 1-800-565-7727 or e-mail jwsporta@istar.ca

Cycling coach, Bill Fosdick, of the Bike Cellar/CHEK TV Young Riders Club offers evening learn-to-ride programs for 10 to 13 year olds during the school year and, through the club, informal off road club races for all ages at the Hartland Mountain Bike Park until the end of August.

The mountain bike races, held Thursdays between 7 and 8 p.m., give graduates of the learn-to-ride program the opportunity to continue building their skills through the summer. "The races are short enough for young riders to gain experience before heading on to something more formal," Bill explains.

The mountain bike races (now in their fourth year) are open to all ages and experience levels. There are draw prizes each week for participants and special prizes for overall point score at the end of August. Race registration costs $5 between 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. Distances vary depending on the age group.

Bill, who followed his son into the sport, encourages parents to attend along with their kids. Call 721-2378 or e-mail fosdick@home.com for information on future classes.