Safe Routes Philly at Girard College

Date: October 21, 2010
Neighborhood: Fairmount
Number of Students: 77

If you’ve ever seen the big walls along Poplar Ave and Girard Ave, and wondered what is inside, it’s a major piece of Philadelphia history known as Girard College. Girard College is a 162 year-old private boarding school dedicated to students from families with limited financial resources, each headed by a single parent or guardian. To learn more about Girard College, click here.

Thanks to Ken Taylor of Athletics and Gary St. Cyr of the Lower School, Safe Routes Philly was cordially invited to present a lesson in bicycle safety to the 5^th and 6^th grade classes!

The experience on a whole was great. Every class had thoughtful questions, enthusiastic expressions, and great behavior. What made this day different from others however was the time I was able to spend with the students outside the classroom. After class and during recess, a few students wanted to talk more about different situations in urban cycling. The teachers spend lunch with the students and are offered a free lunch as an incentive. What a great idea! I was also invited to have lunch with the students. It certainly is a great time to develop stronger relationships with the students. I had great conversations with the students.

Additionally, this school serves healthy food for lunch! Available for the students were a salad bar, turkey burger, sweet potato chips, and a bowl of grapes for snacks. Can it really get any better?

If you haven’t seen this place yet, I highly encourage it! Girard College is available for tours to the public every Thursday between 9am and 3pm.

Here’s to 77 students who are now safer in the streets of Philadelphia!

Ride safe.

~Cy

Lessons are available for FREE to 5th grade classrooms in every Private, Parochial, and Charter School in Philadelphia! If you or someone you know would like us to visit a school, please contact Cy@bicyclecoalition.org. For public elementary schools, we've got a special program that will be coming to your school! Check out our website for more information.