For eight years, Bend Park and Recreation District has hosted the “Discover the Outdoors” Program, a monthlong camp designed for Latine youth. This July, the program added for the first time a bicycling component and recruited Bend Bikes and Commute Options to help with organizing the new portion.
Kathya Avila Choquez, Latino Community Specialist for BPRD, is the mastermind behind the camp. Kathya’s goal was to teach 9- to 15-year olds all about biking and using the trail systems, especially on the south-east side of Bend.
“Thanks to this collaboration, campers are gaining the skills and confidence to ride their bikes safely using Bend Park and Recreation District trails to reach our parks and recreation centers,” Kathya said. “Through fun, hands-on bike safety lessons, Commute Options and Bend Bikes are helping us show families the benefits of accessible transportation. Together, we imagine a future where everyone can get around in safe, convenient, and reliable ways—leading to healthier people, a cleaner environment, and a stronger community.”
Besides the bicycling component, campers also went paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming at the Juniper Park Swim Center, and more.
“Riding a bike gives children a sense of independence and autonomy,” said Al Olson, Bend Bikes board member. “They learn how to make decisions and develop a sense of responsibility and awareness that stays with them for life. Plus, it’s just fun.”
Commute Options, which runs the Safe Routes to School program in Bend, provided the curriculum, bikes and helmets for the Discover the Outdoors Program. The bike training included:
- Helmet Fitting
- ABC Quick Check – A=Air B=Brakes C=Chain/Crank
- Safety Check (checking for shoe laces, pant legs, etc.)
- Starting Power Pedal Position & Stopping (both hands on brakes)
- Hand Signals
- Group Riding Skills using an oval course
- Straight Line Riding
- Ghost Space between riders
- Communication with hand signals
- Shoulder Check (to prepare to “take the lane”
- Shared use path riding etiquette
“There is nothing more rewarding than watching young riders connect to the freedom of riding a bike,” said Whitney Bennet, Commute Options Education Program Manager. “They often realize for the first time that there are trails/routes in their own backyard that can take them where they want to go.” Commute Options’ Marika Tammaru, Safe Routes to School Coordinator and Carina Forsell, Education and Special Projects Coordinator, did the bulk of the teaching during the camp. BPRD volunteers Marlen, Keaton and Pamela were members of the Outdoors Outreach Team who guided the campers throughout the entire program.