The Lawrence Hopewell Trail is partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of Mercer County this August to launch “Spokes & Skills,” a four-week cycling program for youth ages 12 and older that blends safety instruction, hands-on maintenance, and real-world riding.
The program began Aug. 8 and meets weekly through Aug. 29, with each session focused on a different aspect of safe, confident riding.
“We’re excited to launch this partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Mercer County,” said David Sandahl, board chair of the Lawrence Hopewell Trail. “This program represents our commitment to youth development and community safety while encouraging healthy, active lifestyles.”
Program schedule
- Aug. 8: General biking safety led by the Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association (helmet use, phone safety protocols)
- Aug. 15: Hands-on bike maintenance workshop with the Bike Exchange
- Aug. 22: Head and brain safety presentation by Capital Health, using educational skull and brain models
- Aug. 29: Advanced road-biking safety with GMTMA (traffic direction, bike lanes, traffic signals)
Partners include GMTMA, Capital Health, and the Bike Exchange, with volunteer mentors assisting throughout.
“The visual and hands-on components of this program will give participants practical skills they can use immediately,” said Claire Wille, the trail’s operations and development coordinator. “From proper helmet fitting to understanding traffic patterns, students will gain confidence and knowledge that extends far beyond the summer program.”
The initiative culminates with the LHT’s signature Full Moon Ride on Sept. 6, where Spokes & Skills participants will join other cyclists for the annual event. More: https://lhtrail.org/annual-fullmoonride/
