A school-wide biking initiative for Old Greenwich School families

 

What is Gear UP OGS?

GEAR UP OGS is a school-wide bike safety initiative that encourages students to bike to school safely and confidently. 3rd grade students will receive bike safety training in PE, and, starting October 23, 2026, students in 3rd through 5th grades will have the option to bike to school in neighborhood-based “bike trains” led by trained parent volunteers. Students in Grades K – 2 are welcome to join their neighborhood train, but they must be accompanied by a designated parent/caregiver who is not volunteering at the time. The program promotes physical activity, independence, safety, and community connection — encouraging kids to Get Moving, Embrace Growth, Advance Skills, and Ride Smart.

Want to learn more? Join us for a virtual Parent Information & Training Session, October 2, 2026 from 9 - 9:45am.

PARENT INFO SESSION

 

What “GEAR” stands for

G
Get Moving

E
Embrace Growth

A
Advance Skills

R
Ride Smart

How it works

Starting Friday, October 23 (and every Friday while the weather holds) GEAR UP OGS Bike Trains will be pedaling together!

  1. Families sign up and indicate your neighborhood area.
  2. We create riding cohorts so kids can bike together grouped by neighborhood.
  3. Parent volunteers lead the ride and pick students up at each designated stop
  4. Students practice safety skills and build confidence riding to school.
  5. If your child is interested in participating, they must sign the PTA waiver.
Heads up: This is designed to be a fun, safe, community driven way to get to school. Participation is optional and families should choose what feels right for them.

Get Involved

Ready to ride?

Registration for bike trains is open. Sign up here!

 

SIGN UP TO RIDE

 

Volunteer for bike trains

We’re looking for parent volunteers to help bring this exciting initiative to life. Whether you’re interested in leading or coordinating a bike train or just want to learn more, we’d love to have you involved.

 

Join us for a virtual Parent Information & Training Session, October 2, 2023 from 9-9:45am.

 

Bike train parent volunteers must attend parent training. If you are unable to attend, please reach out to the Health & Wellness committee at OGSwellness@gmail.com.

 

Please fill out the form here if interested in volunteering:

SIGN UP

 

Safety first

  • Helmets required for all student and parent riders.
  • Riders are expected to follow road rules and any instructions from parent volunteers.  
  • Students in grades 3–5 riding independently must stay between the parent conductor and caboose. Parents and caregivers accompanying younger riders are welcome to join the train, but if their child can’t keep up, they may need to ride behind the caboose at a pace that works for them.
  • Additional bike safety information can be found here: Safety Cheat Sheet, American League of Cyclists

Quick FAQs

Does my child need to be an experienced rider?
No. The program is meant to build skills and confidence, but families should use judgment on readiness. If you are interested in private bike riding lessons, contact Bob DeAngelo
What if you cannot bike every week?
Totally fine. Join when it works. Cohorts help make it easy to participate consistently, but it’s not all or nothing.
How will routes and meet-up points work?

A neighborhood captain will create a Whatsapp group with all neighborhood parent volunteers and riders’ parents to communicate routes, meet up times, and volunteer assignments.

PROGRAM SUPPORT

GEAR UP OGS gratefully acknowledges the support of the Connecticut Department of Transportation. This funding helped provide bike safety instruction and equipment, enabling us to promote safe riding and build confidence among our student riders.

Questions?

Contact the OGS Health & Wellness Committee at OGSwellness@gmail.com