Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 2/16/2022
SOUTHWICK – The Wick 338 is hoping to soon get a Learn to Ride Center off the ground to help younger children become more comfortable with riding motorized bikes and riding on a track.
The Wick 338 Director Rick Johnson said that he has been putting together a program using Stability Cycle electric bikes that children can use to learn to ride safely before riding real bikes. He said six of the “Stacyc” bikes are ordered already, though it is unclear when they will arrive, given supply chain delays in the industry.
Johnson said he has been trying to start such a program for years, but COVID-19 interrupted those efforts. Now, Johnson said that he is confident that he will be able to start the program this year, with pandemic restrictions lifting.
“This is our opportunity to get kids in there who have ridden nothing,” said Johnson. “Not even to race, just to have fun with the vehicle.”
He said they will start laying out a small track for the kids to ride on in about a month. It will be located in the pit area, near the sign-up area.
The program will not only consist of the small electric bikes, but will in the future include pedal-less bikes that kids can use to push themselves along the tracks with their feet. If the program is successful, Johnson said they will eventually invest in small, gas-powered bikes that are closer to those ridden by professionals.
“Baby steps,” said Johnson.
Johnson also told the Select Board that he wants to make connections with area schools, and invite local students to learn how to ride at The Wick.
A start date has not yet been set for the learning program, as it will depend on the delivery of the bikes.