SMC Awards Bike Grants For South San Francisco Kids

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA — The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors signed off on a $100,000 grant to boost South San Francisco's "Every Kid Deserves a Bike" program, which will now be able to provide hundreds of bikes and helmets to elementary school students this year.

"I am proud to support the City of South San Francisco's innovative program to provide not only bicycles but also the helmets and training necessary to provide a safe and healthy experience for kids," said Dave Pine, the board's president, in a statement Wednesday.

This is the second year for the program spearheaded by Councilmember Eddie Flores, expanding on the 150 bikes provided to fourth and fifth graders last year. This year's program will extend to students at Spruce, Martin, Los Cerritos, and Sunshine Gardens elementary schools, along with Parkway Heights Middle School.

"This program eliminates the financial barrier and equips students with everything they need to begin their active biking lifestyle burden-free," Flores said. "Walking and bicycling to school provides regular physical activity for children that can improve physical health, aid in cognitive development and mental health, reduce traffic congestion, and improve air quality."

On top of bicycles and safety equipment, students can take advantage of training from MikeMobile and get helmets fitted to their heads by certified staffers and volunteers. The city also provides a bike lock, and students can register them their wheels with the South San Francisco Police Department.

The "Every Kid Deserves a Bike program receives funding from Measure K.