The Penfield High School and Middle School have put mountain biking into their physical education program. This is part of an effort to expose kids to a variety of sports and activities that can become lifelong sports. Marybeth Walker from the Physical Education / Health department of the Penfield Schools feels strongly that these programs will help get kids get into a more active healthy life style.
Walker said,” We believe that with the increase in obesity it is critical that we, as educators, find innovative ways to engage our students. We are excited to work with GROC to enhance our current programs. Hopefully, we can impact our students to remain active for the rest of their lives."
GROC has developed a Mountain Biking Curriculum that is being used by the Penfield Middle and High Schools to help the physical education instructors teach safety, skills, and the benefits of shared-use trails. Adam Reitz GROC youth coordinator developed the program and it is being used in parks department programs and now in schools.
Reitz, said” The program focuses on improving riding skills, but also extends to many other topics like advocacy for our parks and trails”
GROC is also working with the Penfield School to develop a basic skills and training area on the school property since there is no legal mountain biking in Penfield or within the Monroe County Parks system. GROC is working with the Penfield Parks department and Monroe County Parks to advocate for a shared-use trail policy where appropriate.
