Kids taught bicycle basics

Jordan Harris, of Glendale, rides on the sidewalk along Pacific Avenue in Glendale with a couple of spare tires around his neck. The tires, particularly the front tire, on his bike were nearly flat and he was heading home to repair them.

By Megan O’Neil

May 4, 2012 12 AM PT

Community leaders, already working to improve local bicycle infrastructure, are targeting some of the city’s youngest riders.

The Glendale PTA Council and Walk Bike Glendale have teamed up to provide bicycle skills classes for local school-aged children, with the first taking place Saturday at Fremont Elementary School. The free classes will start at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m., and will included helmet fittings and bicycle checks.

The classes were scheduled in anticipation of the first Bike to School Day, which will take place Wednesday. The event is designed to encourage families to use alternative modes of transportation to and from campuses.

“We encourage all the kids to ride their bikes safely to the schools,” Elizabeth Manasserian, president of the Glendale PTA Council, said at the Glendale Unified school board meeting Tuesday.

The school cycling event is being staged by the National Center for Safe Routes to School and is modeled after its International Walk to School Day, which has gained traction in Glendale in recent years, thanks in large part to parent volunteers at R.D. White Elementary School.

In October, an estimated 20,000 Glendale Unified students walked to school, escorted by parents and school staff.

In recent months, elected officials and community volunteers have expressed interest in improving the bikeability of the city. In March, Glendale City Council members approved a new Bicycle Transportation Plan that includes new bike lanes and routes.