As the countdown to Bike to Work Week begins, Oscar Critchlow, a Grade 8 student from Quadra Island, likes to discuss the “whole lot of fun” he has when riding his bike to school.
Critchlow travels from Quadra and, once spring rolls around, looks forward to getting on his bike regularly. Biking becomes his predominant mode of transportation through the spring, summer and fall. Critchlow has been biking the 10 kilomtres round trip since starting school at the Robron Centre.
Although not opposed to taking the bus, Critchlow finds biking more convenient. Biking puts him in control of his own schedule. He no longer has to wait for the bus.
Critchlow has found he enjoys avoiding the crowd on the bus and appreciates the fresh air. He has found freedom in biking and finds he has more time to connect with friends, while managing ferry and school schedules.
The obvious enjoyment Critchlow gets from biking to school is not his only motivation.
Critchlow is a successful student and discusses the benefits to his learning on the days he rides. Critchlow discovered school is easier when he has ridden.
He is calmer and more able to focus.
Critchlow talks with glee about the lumps and bumps of the road that make natural obstacles that keep him entertained.
He enjoys the motion of the undulating road, which makes his ride more interesting.
A mode of transport has become an enjoyable part of the day for Critchlow.
Critchlow continues to enjoy biking to school and he is looking forward to seeing more people biking during and after, Bike to Work Week Bike May 26 - June 1.