The Compton Drew Middle School Dolphins Bicycle Club

According to an article in this month's Java Journal:

Students at one school in the St. Louis Public School District not only get a chance to ride their bikes, but learn about the area and themselves. The Dolphins Bicycle Club was started in 2002 by Compton Drew Investigative Learning Center Principal Andrea Walker, physical education instructor, Mimi Deem and Community Education Specialist, Joe Torrisi as a way to combat obesity in middle school students. Now it is about more than just getting into shape. It’s a learning adventure, complete with a yearly bike ride along the Katy Trail.

It’s not just about the riding bikes for these kids. Students take a bicycle education course in which they learn about bike safety and demonstrate that knowledge. They must also meet certain criteria off the bike path, such as regularly attending school, doing well in class and being respectful to their teachers and fellow students.

Many of the students that take part in the program come from less than ideal backgrounds so the club gives them a sense of belonging. It also keeps them out of the trouble they could find themselves in on the city streets. Co-founder Joe Torrisi says this gives kids an opportunity to be exposed to something they normally wouldn't get the chance to experience in the neighborhoods they grew up in. Torrisi observes that every year there are a few kids that join thinking they're going to get a free pass to goof around, but he says every year fewer and fewer troublemakers join the club.

Increasing the number of youth bicycling programs across Missouri is one of the statewide goals in MoBikeFed's Vision of Active Transportation in Missouri.

To find out more about how to set up a school bicycle club or similar youth bicycle program in your school or city, contact MoBikeFed President Joe Torrisi--Joseph.Torrisi [at] slps.org or 314-772-5064.