Universal Institute Charter School starts a cycling club!

Wheels were rolling, bike lights were blinking, and the Universal Institute Charter School Cycling Club students were chanting “U-I-C-S!”

Doug Markgraf, a teacher at Universal Institute Charter School, has started UICS’s first cycling club. On Friday, Safe Routes Philly was invited to join Doug in a ride with the students. Our route was a short, round trip ride from the school’s location at 15^th and Catherine Streets to Schuylkill Banks Park at 25^th and Spruce Street.

During the ride, the students made a dramatic change in riding ability and practice of safe riding. They learned how to use their hand signals at every turn and stop. They practiced riding in a straight line. They learned how to spot, point, and call out visible hazards.

At the end of the ride I asked the group, “Who here learned something new?”. Each one raised their hand and excitedly shared what they had on their mind.

Kudos to the students of Universal Institute Charter School and Mr. Markgraf for starting their first cycling club!

Are you interested in starting a cycling club for your school? Let us know! We have resources available that can help.