Ready to ride: BEST Bike Program Builds Confidence and Skills at WSD Schools

The gym at Isaac Newton School fills with energy as students ride bikes through cones and obstacle courses. Some are balancing for the first time, while others practice turns and riding through obstacles. Helmets securely fastened, laughter and encouragement fill the air. It’s all part of the Bicycle Education & Skills Training (BEST) Bike Program, a cycling education initiative brought into Winnipeg School Division schools by the Green Action Centre.

At Isaac Newton, Alexander Tahimik, the school’s Physical Education teacher, supports the program while Gregory Allen, Bicycle Education and Skills Training Instructor, leads the lessons. Gregory works directly with students to help them learn to ride and ride safely. “We are trying to introduce students who do not know how to bike, and those who already know, to polish their skills riding a bike proficiently, and also be able to ride on the road safely,” explained Tahimik.

Building Skills and Confidence, Step by Step

This fall, the program runs across several WSD schools, giving students a chance to develop biking skills in a safe, supportive environment. Over the course of about six lessons the program covers helmet fitting and bike sizing, followed by skill-building exercises on gym floors or basketball courts. Later, students move to road training, learning to ride single file, stop at intersections, and practice essential road safety skills. 

Gregory Allen described a typical session: “Students fit their own helmets and size bikes to themselves. Then, we go outside as a group and either do exercises on the basketball court or, ride on the road where I coach them on riding safely.” Beyond teaching skills, the program offers students a chance to change up their routines. “Everybody’s very interested in riding bikes. They enjoy being outside and appreciate the exercise. They’re a little nervous to go on the road for the first time, but they get over that pretty quickly.”

The program aims to remove barriers to cycling, like lack of experience, while focusing on safety and confidence. “Some students spend maybe 20 minutes, and they know how to ride a bike by the end of class,” said Allen. “Usually by the end of the program, everybody knows how to ride a bike.” 

More Than Just Riding: Lifelong Lessons

Tahimik highlights the emotional growth the program encourages: “One of the big challenges is emotions. Many kids are afraid or feel awkward, like they aren’t as good as their classmates. A big part of my role is encouraging them to try, so they can prove to themselves that they can do it.”

One of the participating grade 7th students described her experience as positive and rewarding. She said she learned how to balance on a bike and enjoyed the obstacle courses. Though she’s still working on picking up cones, she has learned to weave through them, a new skill she’s proud of. Allen treasures the breakthrough moments when students take their first independent pedal strokes. “Their face lights up, and many show, ‘I’m doing it.’ Those moments are really special,” he said.

This knowledge encourages students to be responsible cyclists and aware road users. The program also offers opportunities for staff members to build their own cycling skills alongside students, strengthening community engagement. By fostering confidence, resilience, and safety awareness, the program equips students with skills that support healthy, active lifestyles throughout their lives.