Cycling For Both In-Person and Remote Learning This Fall

Back to school is going to be different for everyone this fall. With tens of thousands of students already back to learning in-person and millions more soon to attend a mix of online, hybrid, and face-to-face classes in the weeks ahead, the bicycle will play a role for every scenario. 

We’re always looking to keep cycling at the center of attention, even when pedaling may not seem like an answer to a pandemic. There are countless issues for both bringing kids back to the classroom and keeping learning online. The reality is there is no perfect answer, with both learning options offering nearly as many hurdles as benefits. 

One thing that will help in all scenarios is incorporating cycling as an element of transportation and recreation. Families will be looking for any number of ways to keep their kids safe this fall, including restricting participation in traditional team sports, transportation to and from school, and finding ways to replace normal physical education classes at home. The bike can be a key component to these problems and more. 

In-Person. The format of a ‘normal’ day of learning in a pandemic varies widely from school district to school district, but one thing is for certain; it won’t look anything like normal. In the building, many schools are cutting special classes like art and music, and gym classes have been eliminated or completely restricted. There is plenty of evidence that shows physical activity is an important part of developing life-long healthy habits, reducing obesity, and can improve focus. Without gym and recess, it’s even more important that kids make plans to ride to and from school safely to work in more physical activity. 

There are benefits to cycling even before kids get to the classroom. Busing provides critical transportation for students and relieves traffic and reduces pollution, but even with mask requirements, social distancing, and open windows, the small, cramped conditions of mass transit are an ideal setting for virus transmission. By encouraging kids that have a safe route to school and that live in close proximity to the building, schools can reduce the number of kids on buses and better isolate transmission by separating populations outside the building, just as they plan to inside the building during the school day. 

Remote Learning. We’ve all experienced just how long a day can be when stuck at home. For students learning remotely, it will be even tougher to avoid feeling isolated, bored, and trapped. To safely venture out, using the bike to open up new horizons as a part of lessons may provide a break from staring at screens and encourage physical activity. For schools dedicated to remote learning, teachers and parents can encourage short breaks to exercise, with kids exploring their neighborhoods. From scavenger hunts, learning opportunities, and more, utilizing the bike as a way to continue education even during gaps in lessons is a great way to shorten up a long learning day. 

If you’re a parent, let us know what your plans are for fall and if you’ll implement cycling as an element of transportation or recreation this fall!