Bike Program at Kennedy Junior High School

Access. Safety. Skills. Confidence.

Naperville Outdoor Alliance, Kennedy Jr. High Home and School, and Spokes Bikes have partnered to bring the “Jeff Moores Bicycle Initiative” program to Kennedy Junior High School. Students using a fleet of donated new bikes and helmets will demonstrate the program with educators and parents at 12:30pm on Thursday, October 22nd at the school, 2929 Green Trails Drive, Lisle.

“The program, part of the district-wide Jeff Moores Bicycle Initiative, aims to get 6th, 7th, and 8th graders active, moving, and exploring on two wheels during Physical Education classes,” says Eric Nelson, PE teacher at Kennedy. “Bicycle maintenance and fieldtrips utilizing the amazing trails near KJHS are also planned,” he said.

The program, honoring the life of PE colleague Jeff Moores, integrates cycling into the physical education curriculum as a means to help students achieve academic, health, and social success. Students also benefit from exposure to laws about bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters.

Volunteers Phil & Brandon Askelson built bike storage racks with materials donated by 84 Lumber. “Positive connections are made by people working together,” shared PE educator Kevin Quaid.

Matt Sharritt, president of Naperville Outdoor Alliance, was approached by Nelson and Quaid after NOA 2019 partnership success with NNHS bike program. “We are thrilled to be able to support Kennedy students,” said Sharritt.

Naperville Outdoor Alliance is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit whose aim is to make outdoor recreation more abundant and accessible to the community by working together with public organizations, private entities, other nonprofits, and community members.

For Naperville Outdoor Alliance information, contact Matt Sharritt at 630-280-4547 or matt@situatedresearch.com
and visit www.NapervilleOutdoorAlliance.org.

For information about Jeff Moores Bicycle Initiative and the Kennedy Junior High School P.E. Program, contact Eric Nelson, Instructional Coordinator, Wellness Department at 630-747-3742 or ejnelson@naperville203.org.

Two photos with captions attached below.

Volunteers load bikes for free delivery from Spokes to Kennedy Jr. High School courtesy of transport donor Chris Hyland of Two Men And A Truck.