UConn Extension & Bike Walk Connecticut partner to promote nutrition, fitness, and bike safety

Hundreds of families and young people participated in bike safety and nutrition education at bike rallies hosted by UConn Extension, part of UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, Bike Walk Connecticut, in partnership with the Meriden Farmers Market  and Groton Fall Fest (Groton Chamber of Commerce).  The Get Out- Get Active-Get Healthy Bike and Back to School Rallies were held on Saturday, September 7^{th, 2019}  on the Meriden Green and on October 5 at the Groton fall Fest. The events featured bicycle and helmet safety demonstrations, games, helmet decorating, a bicycle raffle, as well as nutrition education. Youth and families were encouraged to bring their own bikes or borrow a bike from Bike Walk Connecticut’s fleet, sized for ages 9-12 with a few for ages 5-8. Young people learned and practiced bicycle safety and agility skills taught by certified League Cycling Instructors (LCIs). Over 75 bike helmets were distributed at the events to young people and adults. Healthy food demonstrations were provided by the UConn Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Chef Kashia Cave, founder of My City Kitchen. This events were made possible by a grant and funding from the David and Nancy Bull Extension Innovation Fund at UConn, UConn Extension PATHS (People on Trails for Health and Sustainability) Team, Bike Walk Connecticut, the Meriden Farmers Market, Community Health Center of Meriden and Meriden Public Schools.  An additional event is planned for Spring 2020 in Danbury. For more information contact Laura Brown at 203-407-3161 or laura.brown@uconn.edu.

The PATHS team created an educational brochure called Share the Trail about trail safety and etiquette on multi-use trails for bicyclists, walkers and equestrians. Check it out!