For many children, learning to ride a bike is a childhood milestone - a first taste of freedom, confidence, and independence. But Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School physical education teacher Suzanne Leslie knew that not every student had the opportunity to experience that moment.

After surveying students over multiple years, Leslie saw that many children either did not know how to ride or did not have regular access to bicycles at home. She began working to create a program that would give every student the chance to build confidence, independence, and lifelong cycling skills through physical education.

“Over the 10 years I’ve taught students at CET, it has been my dream to bring biking to my students,” Leslie said.

That vision is now a reality. Thanks to funding from the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance and the Croton-Harmon Education Foundation, CET now has a class set of bicycles that students will use during physical education classes as part of a new cycling initiative.

Leslie also worked with CET students to design and paint a colorful bike course on campus that will serve current and future students for years to come.

“You are now officially a part of CET history,” Leslie told the students who helped build the course. “I could not be more proud of each of you.”

The new program was celebrated on Saturday, May 16, with a community bike rodeo that brought together students, families, and community members for a ride from Croton-Harmon High School to CET, where riders helped officially open the new course on a perfect spring day.

Before students rode the course for the first time, Officers Ward and Davis from the Croton Police Department reviewed bike safety tips, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on safety and skill-building.

Leslie also recognized the many organizations and volunteers who helped make the project possible, including the Croton Booster Club, Croton Police Department, Croton Emergency Medical Services, and the Village Bike/Pedestrian Committee. Additional support came from AAA Northeast, which donated helmets for a future bike unit, and Westchester Balloon Company, which provided event decorations.

“This course will last for many years to come for the current and future students of CET,” Leslie said. “I’m so thankful to everyone who helped make this dream a reality.”