Brooklyn Park Families Learn Cycling in Free Bike Class
When it comes to riding a bike, it takes most people some time to find their footing. Especially if they’ve never had the chance to learn in the first place.
A free program is making the world of cycling more accessible for Brooklyn Park families. It’s simply called “Learn to Ride a Bike,” put on by nonprofit SARX Global and Three Rivers Park District.
“There are a good number of people who do not know how to bike. And so, this is an opportunity to bridge that gap” said Wynfred Russell, a former Brooklyn Park City Council member and SARX founder. “The infrastructure is there. But we have to train folks, and get folks actively involved.”
The bike-riding classes take place on Tuesdays at the Mississippi River Gateway Regional Park, near the archery range. All interested cyclists need to do is show up. Russell said efforts like these align with SARX’s mission.
SARX stands for “strengthening African resilience toward excellence.”
“We have a lot of recreational assets in the northwest suburbs. But you see that many folks are not utilizing those assets—especially people of color,” Russell said.
Russell sees this as one way to expand that access.
“Community health is a critical part of what we do, and so we are using this data-driven solution. And we think cycling is a means to that end,” Russell said.
Wynfred Russell’s nonprofit SARX spearheaded the bike lessons, which are taught by Three Rivers instructors.
A Critical Skill
The Three Rivers Park District provides the bikes, and two instructors help teach whoever shows up. It’s for anyone, any age.
“I feel just grateful to be a part of it,” said Leila Jacobson, who helped teach more than 20 riders who came to Tuesday’s session.
Her role is straightforward– teach and encourage. Some come and try out bikes with training wheels, Strider balance bikes or standard two-wheelers. Three Rivers has all three.
Jacobson said the process — and watching people get the hang of it — is exciting.
“It’s hopefully a skill, that once they develop here through the programming, they can go and be confident riders and be able to enjoy the parks,” Jacobson said.
Everyone learns at their own pace. Some take an hour, others a few sessions to get a hang of riding. Becky Christensen brought her two kids, Luke and Kaylee, to practice lessons after years of a learning curve.
“My son is 11, and still hasn’t quite caught on how to ride a bike,” Christensen said. “So I thought it was a good opportunity for us to get some experts in to get him to ride a bike!”
And after practice, encouragement, and a little courage on Luke’s part, he figured out pedaling after just one session. Volunteers, instructors and his family were right there to cheer him on. After pedaling back to the start, Christensen gave Luke a big hug.
“You did it! I am so proud of you,” she said.
The lessons are opening up worlds all at no cost.
Jacobson rides a Strider bike alongside Luke, who made leaps and bounds of progress on Tuesday.
Pedal Jam
Russell said he partly offered this to prepare people for his bike event, Pedal Jam 2025. That family-friendly riding event is coming up on Saturday, August 16. You can learn more and sign up at the Pedal Jam webpage.
Classes are nearly done for this season, but Russell said he plans to do more in the near future. He also hopes to hold kayaking and swimming classes as well.
A young cyclist practices riding laps with a grown-up supervisor.
