The schoolyard at in Boerum Hill on Saturday was filled with children and bikes. Some pushed their bikes along, others were learning to ride for the first time. Newly minted riders cruised around and around with big smiles on their triumphant faces.
P.S. 261, Bike New York and Recycle-A Bicycle sponsored the event. Starting with about 15 donated bikes and a lot of volunteers, both mechanics and bike instructors, the event coordinated bike swaps, bike tune-ups and first time instruction.
Lucie Szakallas' son Nathaniel, 5, was learning to ride for the first time.
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“I actually cried seeing my son ride for the first time," she said, overjoyed.
Nathaniel tried to console her.
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“Mommy I have happy tears," he said. "I can ride a bike without training wheels."
Kim Wiley-Schwartz, is one of the parent organizers of the event.
“I think this event is great, it shows that New York City is embracing bicycling as the transportation of the future," she said. Both Wiley-Schwartz's children were at the event, and her son, Issac, 6, was learning to ride for the first time.
Proceeds from the event went to the P.S. 261 PTA, which funds programs threatened by budget cuts.
Volunteers helped kids and parents select the right size bike for each child, and then taught them the basics of balance. The volunteers took off training wheels and pedals and lowered bike seats so the kids could have their feet on the ground. Once the kids learn how to balance, they put the pedals back on and it’s time to ride. According to volunteers, it can take a child as little as 10 - 15 minutes to learn to ride.
Bike New York organizes similar events all throughout the five boroughs during the spring, summer and fall, and are run completely by volunteers.
Tracy Harvey, said she tried to teach her son, Marcus Peguero, 5, how to ride last weekend. Her efforts didn't exactly pay off, so she brought Marcus to P.S. 261. She was happy to see her son learning to ride.
“He is so excited and he feels good about it," she said.
