The Bike Club at the Carl-von-Ossietzky-Schule in Berlin was launched in May 2014. Here fun exercises are used to help children to fine-tune their motor skills, their body awareness, their sensory perception and their flexibility – training them to cope with traffic.
The children in the group discussed dangerous situations that can arise when cycling and then practised their skills on a special course. They had to cycle between two lines and imagine they were on a bridge over a ravine full of crocodiles, making training their motor skills into an exciting adventure for the children. The course was gradually made more and more difficult. The children had to cycle certain sections with one hand, following a twisting path and ride along narrow boards. Whereas in the beginning every child was allowed to explore the course for themselves, later all of the children rode in a narrow file. Pushing and overtaking was strictly forbidden. The children learned to pay attention and be mindful of others.
The theory behind the practice was provided by the MobileKids educational material [LINK]. The pupils discussed the rules of the road, traffic signs and dangerous situations. The children were also able to have their cycles checked by police. How to pump up the tyres and adjust the saddle correctly were also topics covered by the Bike Club.
Particularly commendable: the school provided eight bicycles for the Club. This means that socially disadvantaged children who do not own a bike are still able to take part and learn.