Increasing Physical Activity: Implementing Bike Education

Abstract

Abstract Youth in the United States are not getting the recommended daily 60 minutes of physical activity (PA), and childhood obesity is on the rise. Adequate PA is linked with numerous health benefits such as increased cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness and bone strength. Biking is a great opportunity for children of all ages to increase their PA and help reduce obesity. Some barriers to biking include lack of education and safety. Bike education can help reduce safety concerns and encourage children to bike (e.g., increase daily PA). This article includes resources for grants to implement biking programs, lesson ideas for bike education in schools, and ways to involve the community. There are also suggested events and activities to promote safe bicycling. The resources provided can help schools start a bicycle education program at their school and in their community.