Rain or Shine: Lafayette’s Young Riders Roll Forward

In Lafayette, building a more vibrant, connected, and bikeable community starts early… and sometimes, it starts in the rain.

Despite torrential downpours, more than 20 determined kids showed up at Lafayette Elementary School for a free bicycle safety training hosted by the Lafayette Elementary School PTA. With the PTA providing both the space and support, (including snacks to keep energy high) families leaned into the moment, proving that community spirit doesn’t wait for perfect weather.

Learning the basics together: Riding in a straight line and using your brakes.

Building Confidence, One Skill at a Time

The training focused on the fundamentals that turn young riders into confident, safe cyclists:

• Proper helmet fitting

• Bike safety checks (tires, brakes, chains)

• Starting and stopping techniques

• Navigating obstacles

• Understanding road signs

• Communicating with drivers through hand signals

Multiple stations for kids to learn different skills on the LES playground

With four parent volunteers, including League of American Bicycling Instructor Beth Bittle, the kids were able to ask questions and receive feedback on their biking technique.. What stood out most wasn’t just the amazing curriculum Beth created for the kids, it was the children’s resilience. Kids practiced skills in real conditions, gaining confidence that translates directly to safer streets and more independent mobility.

Earth Day: Where First Rides Begin

The momentum continued at Sustainable Lafayette’s Earth Day Festival, where the focus shifted to the youngest riders.

Golden Gate Way was blocked off from cars for kids to learn to ride their bikes.

About 13 children took their very first rides on balance bikes during a “bicycle rodeo” designed for beginners. For many, it was a milestone moment with the first step toward lifelong mobility and independence.

This experience was made possible thanks to the generosity of Matt Sharp of Sharp Bicycles, who donated four balance bikes for the event. His contribution didn’t just support a single day, it helped spark confidence for a new generation of riders.

If you’re in La Fiesta Square, consider stopping by Sharp Bicycles to thank a local business that’s actively investing in our community.

From First Ride to Skill Building

In addition to the beginner rodeo, roughly 10 more children took on a skills course featuring ramps and cones. This hands-on obstacle course helped young riders sharpen their coordination, balance, and control in a fun, low-pressure environment.

Many balance bikes and pedal bikes available for kids to tryout on the bicycle course.

Together, these experiences create a pipeline:
first ride → skill development → confident rider → safer community

Why This Matters for Lafayette Families

These programs aren’t just about bikes, they’re about building a healthier, more connected Lafayette:

• Giving kids independence and confidence

• Supporting safer streets for families

• Encouraging outdoor activity and sustainability

• Strengthening community bonds

This is how a city becomes not just livable but truly vibrant.

If you’d like to setup a bicycle safety course or bicycle rodeo in Lafayette, please contact Vibrant Lafayette for support or tips.

If you need support specifically with bicycle training equipment, please reach out to davis.okonkwo@cchealth.org to rent traffic cones, signs, helmets and even bikes at no charge. This equipment is provided by the Contra Costa County Health Department to encourage safe and healthy activities for kids in our communities.

Big Thanks to:

Davis Okonkwo at the Contra Costa County Health Department

Beth Bittle

Matt Sharp of Sharp Bicycles

Brad Crane of Sustainable Lafayette

Lafayette Elementary School PTA