Cycling education

Editor: Reading Rick Moeller?s blog about cycling in the July 18 Argus-Courier prompted me to write this letter.

Cycling is an extremely good way to keep fit and anything we can do to counter the growing trend in childhood obesity should be encouraged. Mr. Moeller cited some worrying statistics about this problem and the costs involved.

It is important to encourage the younger members of our community to see biking as a healthy, fun and environmentally friendly method of transport.

As a parent at Valley Vista Elementary School, I am delighted that both of my children partake in the annual Bike Rodeo that we hold each spring at the school. It teaches bike and road safety and one of the best things about it is that it?s free. A group of dedicated volunteers together with the Petaluma police come to the school each year to teach the kids important road safety and bike tips.

Certainly in this respect, Valley Vista is doing what a school should be doing ? namely teaching children not only academics but also teaching them how to deal with the real world on our roads and bike lanes. This is something that might someday be part of all schools? curricula nationwide.

John Crowley, Petaluma