​​Bike Camp FAQs

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Q: How do I know which bike camp is best for my child?

A: In addition to age, each bike camp lists a recommended skill level. Skill level is more important than age for safety and enjoyment.

 

We recommend choosing the level your child can comfortably ride all week, not just on their best day. A family practice ride before registration is a great way to see what distance, terrain, and pace your child is truly comfortable with. You can update your child’s skill level in UltraCamp if it changes before camp begins.

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Q: How can I determine my child’s biking skill level?

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A: Review the skill level descriptions carefully and think about whether your child can comfortably: 

• Start and stop confidently on varied terrain

• Ride on gravel, dirt paths, and small hills

• Keep up with a group for the full ride distance

• Ride multiple days in a row without becoming overly or frustrated

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If you’re unsure, we recommend choosing a lower skill level. Campers placed in a camp that is too advanced often feel frustrated or discouraged, while campers at the right level tend to have the most fun and confidence.

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Q: What if the only bike camp available is too advanced for my child?

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A: For safety and enjoyment, we strongly encourage families to only register for bike camps that match their child’s current skill level.

We know it can be frustrating when a preferred camp is full or not offered that week. While we’d love to offer bike camps for every rider every week, our staffing and logistics are limited. Each year, we work to add more bike camp opportunities to serve as many riders as possible.

We always welcome feedback from families about which bike camps their child enjoys most. Your input helps shape future offerings!

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Q: Let’s Get Rollin’: Learn to Ride is the only bike camp my child is eligible for, but they already know how to ride. Can I sign them up anyway?

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A: Let’s Get Rollin’ is designed specifically for children who are just learning to ride a two-wheeled bike. The pace is intentionally slow and supportive so new riders can build confidence. Confident or advanced riders often feel bored or frustrated in this setting, which can make it harder for beginner riders to feel safe and supported. If your child already rides independently, we recommend waiting for a camp that better matches their skill level.

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Q: How can we prepare for bike camp?

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• Go on a practice ride a few weeks before camp to check skill level, endurance, and bike fit.

• Have the bike tuned up in early spring to ensure brakes, gears, and tires are ready for camp riding.

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Q: What are the locations for bike camps?

A: We rotate locations daily to give campers a variety of riding experiences. Locations stay within Corvallis. Common locations include Avery Park, Willamette Park, Bald Hill, and downtown (Farmers Market on Wednesdays). Detailed schedules are emailed the week before camp.

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Q: What additional supplies are required for bike camp?

• Two-wheeled bike 

• Helmet

• Backpack for snacks and supplies

• Sturdy, closed-toed shoes

• Extra snack recommended

• Spare bike tube (optional but recommended; available at local bike shops)

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Q: Why wasn’t my child placed in a group with their friend for bike camp? 

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A: While we do our best to accommodate friend requests, safety and skill level come first when creating bike groups. Age and developmental level are also considered.

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If you request that two friends ride together, campers are usually placed in the group that matches the lower riding level. Please reach out before camp if staying with a buddy is especially important to your child, we’re always happy to talk it through.

 

Q: What kind of bike can my child bring to summer camp?

A: Bikes should be comfortable, reliable, and appropriate for rides on mixed terrain.

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Best for Camp (Preferred):

• Two-wheeled bike

• Hand brakes (recommended for all ages and abilities)

• All-terrain tires

• Gears for hills and varied terrain

• Water bottle holder

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Also Allowed:

• Coaster brakes (back-pedal braking)

• Cruisers

• Single-speed or fixed-gear bikes

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Not Safe for Camp:

• Strider or balance bikes

• Bikes with training wheels

• Stunt or BMX bikes

• Bikes without working brakes

• Bikes with more than two wheels

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If you’re unsure whether your child’s bike is a good fit, we’re happy to help. Feel free to reach out before camp so we can make sure your camper is set up for a great week of riding.​

 

Q: What kind of helmet should my child wear at summer camp?

 

A:  Helmet: 

• Must cover your forehead

• Should not fall off or backwards

• Needs to have adjustable fit

• Needs to have connected and intact casing

• Needs secure chin strap connectors

 

*Skateboard helmets are allowed, but do not provide the same impact protection and brain injury prevention as a properly fitted bike helmet.

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Q: My child still rides with training wheels.  Can they attend camp?

 

A: Training wheels are unfortunately NOT safe for bike camp. However, if your child wants to learn to be an independent rider, they are welcome to bring a two wheeled bike (with no training wheels) to Let's Get Rolling: Learn to Ride. 

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Q: Can I leave my child’s bike behind at CEC while they are attending camp?

 

A: No. CEC is unable to store bikes safely at this time. Please plan to transport your child’s bike to and from camp locations each day.

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Q: What will my child learn about bike safety? What kind of safety precautions are taken?

 

A: Children will learn about roadways right of way traffic rules, the importance of visibility, basic bicycle care, communication while cycling in a group, and use of safety equipment such as properly adjusting and wearing a helmet.

 

Multiple camp leaders are positioned along the group of campers, always keeping one at the head and one at the end of the line. We stop often for water breaks and at every turn/ intersection/ trail fork to ensure the group stays safely together.

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Q: What kind of footwear should my child wear while biking?

 

A: Every camper should be wearing close-toed sneakers unless otherwise noted by the camp instructor. Campers may not wear crocs, flip-flops, or other unsecured, open-toed shoes while biking.​

 

Q: How are camp groups decided?

 

A: Groups are finalized the Monday before camp starts. We take into account friend or sibling requests listed in the registration form. During bike camps, groups are sorted by age first, bike skill second. Accurate reporting of your child’s abilities helps us ensure a safe, positive experience.

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A letter will be emailed to all parents prior to each camp listing all items needed, itinerary, and other important information.

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Bike Camp Policies & Procedures

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All participants of CEC bike camps must bring the following items every day:

• A bike with the following:

  • Tires suitable for varying terrains- wide tires and adequate tread (No road bikes or bald tires)

  • Functioning brakes

• A properly-fitting Helmet 

• A spare bike tube that fits their bike

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Safety is our utmost priority! Program staff will uphold the following procedures to ensure safe, effective bike programming:

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• Participants will be grouped by biking ability/comfort level to the best of our ability.

• The first day of each bike camp will include a review of safe biking practices.

• Participant groups will bike in single file or paired lines and always have 1 adult in front, 1 in back, and (when possible and depending on group size) 1 adult in the middle.

• Staff will follow pre-established routes that prioritize bike paths as much as possible. When required to bike on roadways, we will choose low-traffic roads with bike lanes and sidewalks.

• When crossing intersections, staff will follow crosswalk and traffic signals, and will have at least 1 adult stay in the road until all children have safely crossed.

• Any participant that does not have a properly fitting helmet will not be allowed to bike.

• All students will be required to carry their own gear while biking, including their water and lunch. Please pack lightly- no games, books, toys, etc.

Other Questions? Call us at 541-753-9211

 camps@corvallisenvironmentalcenter.org

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