Bike Program Launched at Maple Ave Middle School
Maple Avenue Middle School Students enjoy new bikes and trails as part of the “Bikes in Schools” program. Photo provided by Saratoga Shredders.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs City School District and Saratoga Shredders officially launched the Bikes in Schools program at Maple Avenue Middle School on Monday. For the first time, mountain biking is now part of the middle school physical education (PE) curriculum.
Maple Ave received a full donation package from Saratoga Shredders, which included 30 bikes, 30 helmets, a cycling-focused PE curriculum, professional development for teachers, and a brand-new set of mountain bike trails right behind the school.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Saratoga Shredders to bring this program to life,” said John Goodson, the district’s athletic director, in a statement. “Because of the Shredders’ generosity, our students now have mountain biking as part of their PE classes across all 6 Saratoga elementary schools and Maple Ave Middle School, promoting physical fitness, mental wellness, and a love for the outdoors.”
“By bringing bikes into schools, we’re removing barriers to this often cost-prohibitive sport, creating an equitable experience where every kid has access to mountain biking,” said Anna Laloë, executive director of Saratoga Shredders. “Not only are we getting more kids on bikes, but we’re also teaching bike safety, empowering students to ride confidently in their neighborhoods and around town.”
The Saratoga Mountain Bike Association (SMBA) planned and built the new trails, while Grey Ghost Bicycles in Saratoga assembled the bikes.
The Bikes in Schools initiative at Maple Ave is part of a broader goal to bring cycling to all K-12 students in the district by fall 2025. Saratoga Shredders has already donated more than 200 bikes in the last year. Saratoga Springs High School is next in line for the program.