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A school wide biking initiative for Old Greenwich School families

 

What is Gear UP OGS?

GEAR UP OGS is a new school bike safety initiative that encourages students to bike to school safely and confidently. Students in 3rd–5th grade will receive bike safety training in PE and, starting this spring, will have the option to bike to school in neighborhood-based “bike trains” led by trained parent volunteers. Students in Grades K – 2 are welcome to join their neighborhood train, but they must be accompanied by a designated parent/caregiver who is not volunteering as a "conductor" of the train ride. The program promotes physical activity, independence, safety, and community connection — encouraging kids to Get Moving, Embrace Growth, Advance Skills, and Ride Smart.

Want to learn more? Check out a recording of the Parent Info Session:

PARENT INFO SESSION

 

What “GEAR” stands for

G
Get Moving

E
Embrace Growth

A
Advance Skills

R
Ride Smart

Get Involved

We’re looking for parent volunteers to help bring this exciting initiative to life. Whether you’re interested in leading a bike train or just want to learn more, we’d love to have you involved.

 

Starting Friday, April 17 (and every Friday until the end of the school year) GEAR UP OGS Bike Trains will be pedaling together! We need YOUR HELP to make it happen!

 

Please fill out the form here if interested in volunteering:

SIGN UP

 

 

If interested in volunteering, please join the mandatory Parent Training (Virtual) February 18, 9 - 10 AM. Add to Calendar

 

Click here to join the virtual Parent Training session:

GOOGLE MEET

 

How it works

  1. Families sign up and indicate your neighborhood area.
  2. We create riding cohorts so kids can bike together grouped by neighborhood.
  3. Parent chaperones lead the ride and Parent Captains coordinate meet-up points.
  4. Students practice safety skills and build confidence riding to school.
  5. If your child is interested in participating, they must sign the PTA waiver.
Heads up: This is designed to be a fun, safe, community driven way to get to school. Participation is optional and families should choose what feels right for them.

Safety first

  • Helmets required for all riders.
  • Riders follow road rules and ride with the cohort and chaperone.
  • Chaperones receive guidance and training so routes and expectations are consistent.

Quick FAQs

Does my child need to be an experienced rider?
No. The program is meant to build skills and confidence, but families should use judgment on readiness. If you are interested in private bike riding lessons, contact Bob DeAngelo
What if we cannot bike every week?
Totally fine. Join when it works. Cohorts help make it easy to participate consistently, but it’s not all or nothing.
How will routes and meet-up points work?
Neighborhood cohorts will share a meet-up plan led by the neighborhood Captain. Details will be sent to families who sign up.

Questions?

Contact the GearUp OGS team: Lea Russell and Jenny Tooter