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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.

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Bike FAQs

 

Q: Does my child need to be an experienced cyclist to attend CEC bike camps?

 

A: Campers with all levels of bike experience are welcome!  Bike camps have up to three groups, with campers arranged by age and ability/ comfort level.  Please note: the ability groups listed below are to give a general idea. Actual group arrangements for each camp week will depend on registration and availability.

 

  • All bike campers: Listen to and follow safety instructions, demonstrate patience and positivity while riding in a group, and have fun!

  • Bike learners (Week 2: Let’s Get Rollin 6/27-7/1): Independent two-wheel bikers who are ready to grow in confidence! Gentle instruction in a supportive, competition-free environment.

  • Beginning bikers: Practice steadiness while stopping/starting, or getting on/off their bike.  This group rides mostly on paved bike paths for shorter distances, with plenty of breaks for rest and games.

  • Intermediate bikers: Bike lane and unpaved off-road riding, with options for single track trail and longer distances.  Learn how to shift gears while pedaling and navigate hills/switchbacks!

  • Advanced bikers:  Comfortable bike handling, and ready for longer distances (up to 8 miles), elevation and surface changes.  This group will take day-long trail adventures.

 

 

Q: What should my child bring each day to bike camp?

 

A: Every camper should come with a labeled backpack with the following labeled items:

  • Bike and Helmet

  • One or two full water bottles labeled with the child’s name. Check and double check for leaks. If possible, a water bottle holder/cage on bike

  • Morning and afternoon snacks

  • Lunch

  • Replacement bike tube (our instructors carry bike pumps and tire levers!)

  • Sunscreen and a Hat

  • Extra socks

  • A lightweight layer, and an extra set of clothing, just in case the wind gets chilly or wet

  • Close toed shoes. No crocs, slides, or leather boots. Prefer keens, tennis shoes, or water shoes

    • We get in and out of water throughout the day. From bikes to trails and rocky streams to mud - we explore it all. Make their day more enjoyable with the proper footwear. It is challenging to carry and change shoes often throughout the day.  

 

**If your child is an independent biker, they should also be comfortable biking while wearing their backpack as we are on the move!

 

 

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

 

A: Preferred Bike:

  • Two wheel bikes only 

  • Hand brakes for all ages and abilities

  • All terrain bike tires

  • Gears

  • Water bottle holder

   Also Allowed: 

  • Coaster breaks (foot or back pedal breaks)

  • Cruisers

  • Single or fixed gear 

   NOT Safe for Camp: 

  • strider/balance bikes

  • Training wheel bike

  • Stunt or BMX bike

  • Bike without brakes

  • Bike with more than 2 wheels

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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 camp (06/27 - 07/01).

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

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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Other Questions? Call us at 541-753-9211

 programs@corvallisenvironmentalcenter.org

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