Bike Club at Martin Middle School in Austin Participates in Bike to Work Day

On May 21, 2010, BikeTexas hosted a breakfast station for Bike to Work Day. BikeTexas staff enjoyed all of our visitors on Bike to Work Day, but we especially enjoyed the visit from teacher Jamie Haynes and his three Martin Middle School bike club members. According to Jamie, the adult leader, the bicycle club at Martin Middle School is funded by the 21st Century Program grant that allows Title One Schools in Austin to provide enrichment activities before and after school for students in 6th through 8th grade.

In addition to teaching bicycle safety and enjoyment, the club also spends time maintaining and repairing the bikes. They take advantage of their proximity to the Lady Bird Lake and Shoal Creek bike trails. The school’s principal, Susan Galvan, gave the approval for the club to spend part of their school day participating in the Bike to Work Day festivities happening in East Austin. Sixth grader Darrius, 7th grader Howard, and 8th grader Joseph took advantage of this opportunity to interact with the community in a setting they are normally not exposed to. Upon return to school, Darrius said, “It was cool exercise and to get to talk and a good experience for being careful if there is a car behind you.”

BikeTexas was delighted to have them as guests and hope they will come by on their bikes for a visit this summer.