GROC Genesee Regional Off-Road Cyclists

The Penfield High School and Middle School have put mountain biking into their physical education program. This is part of an effort to expose kids to a variety of sports and activities that can become lifelong sports. Marybeth Walker from the Physical Education / Health  department of the Penfield Schools feels strongly that these programs will help get  kids get into a more active healthy life style.

Walker said,” We believe that with the increase in obesity it is critical that we, as educators, find innovative ways to engage our students.  We are excited to work with GROC to enhance our current programs. Hopefully, we can impact our students to remain active for the rest of their lives."

GROC has developed a Mountain Biking Curriculum that is being used by the Penfield Middle and High Schools to help the physical education instructors teach safety, skills, and the benefits of shared-use trails. Adam Reitz GROC youth coordinator developed the program and it is being used in parks department programs and now in schools.

Reitz, said” The program focuses on improving riding skills, but also extends to many other topics like advocacy for our parks and trails”

GROC is also working with the Penfield School to develop a basic skills and training area on the school property since there is no legal mountain biking in Penfield or within the Monroe County Parks system. GROC is working with the Penfield Parks department and Monroe County Parks to advocate for a shared-use trail policy where appropriate.

Article in New York Times
by
David Byrne - Yes Talking Heads

Full disclosure: I’ve ridden a bike around New York as my principal means of transport for 30 years, so I’m inclined to sympathize with the idea that a cycling revolution is upon us, and that it’s a good thing. Like Jeff Mapes, the author of “Pedaling Revolution: How Cyclists Are Changing American Cities,” I’ve watched the streets fill over the years with more and varied bike riders. It’s no longer just me, some food delivery guys and a posse of reckless messengers. Far from it.

LINK TO FULL ARTICLE

Expansion of Biking in Parks Is Proposed

By KIRK JOHNSON
Published: December 18, 2008
DENVER — Mountain bikers, now barred from most backcountry areas in national parks, could have thousands of miles of trails opened up to them under a rule change proposed Thursday by the Interior Department.

The proposal raised tensions between hikers and bikers, who face off against one another on dirt byways all over the country. Each group is burdened with a stereotype that is part true and part myth: thrill-seeking gear heads on one side, plodding leaf peepers on the other, each group accusing the other of not fully appreciating the great out-of-doors.

READ FULL ARTICLE

Posted at: 10/23/2008 11:50:45 AM
 By: Robin De Wind

New sports added to high school curriculum 
 
Volleyball, basketball, soccer are all sports you learn in gym class but some schools are now adding sports to the curriculum that can be enjoyed for life.

Seniors Gabby Goff and Emily Hinn are learning how to repair their mountain bikes in gym class of all places. “We learn how to fix breaks and put on back tires. I did learn some stuff,” Goff said.

Penfield is one of a handful of schools in the area offering alternative, individual sports as part of the physical education curriculum.