Lawrence Hopewell Trail Partners with Boys & Girls Club To Launch 'Spokes & Skills' Youth Program

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – The Lawrence Hopewell Trail (LHT) is launching an innovative new partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Mercer County this August.

They are introducing the "Spokes & Skills" program as part of the club's summer programming.

The four-week cycling initiative will provide comprehensive bicycle education to students aged 12 and older, combining safety instruction, hands-on maintenance training, and real-world riding experience.

The program kicked off on Aug. 8, with participants gathering for the first of four specialized sessions. Each weekly meeting focuses on a different aspect of cycling, providing a well-rounded foundation for safe and confident riding.

"We're excited to launch this partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Mercer County," said David Sandahl, LHTC Board Chair. "This program represents our commitment to youth development and community safety while encouraging healthy, active lifestyles."

Program Schedule and Focus Areas:

• Aug. 8: GMTA-led session on general biking safety, including helmet usage and phone safety protocols
• Aug. 15: Hands-on bike maintenance workshop led by experts from the Bike Exchange
• Aug. 22: Head and brain safety presentation by Capital Health, featuring educational skull and brain props
• Aug. 29: Advanced road biking safety instruction from GMTA, covering traffic direction, bike lanes, and traffic signal compliance

The program benefits from strong community partnerships, with support from the Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association (GMTA), Capital Health, and the Bike Exchange. A dedicated team of volunteers will provide mentorship and assistance throughout the sessions.

"The visual and hands-on components of this program will give participants practical skills they can use immediately," said Claire Wille, LHTC Operations and Development Coordinator. "From proper helmet fitting to understanding traffic patterns, students will gain confidence and knowledge that extends far beyond the summer program."

The initiative culminates with the LHT’s signature Full Moon Ride scheduled for Sept. 6, offering Spokes & Skills participants an opportunity to share a unique experience.

Students from the club will join hundreds of other riders for the annual full moon event. https://lhtrail.org/annual-fullmoonride/

For more information about the Spokes & Skills program or other Lawrence Hopewell Trail community initiatives, contact Claire Wille, 609-937-4075, claire@lhtrail.org

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