On October 18, we teamed up with the San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD), SFMTA, and SF Safe Routes to School for a Firefighter Family Ride through Golden Gate Park. For the past four years SFBike and SFFD have brought this event to our community to help build confidence for families and bring our community together.
The day started with a family bike class in the Panhandle, where our team went over bike safety and riding basics to build confidence on their bikes. We began by expressing to parents what we do and why we are here; how teaching kids the simple tips on balancing and turning can lead to the continued confidence of learning how to bike at home. Afterward, about thirty families and SFFD staff rode together to JFK Promenade, ending at the Whale’s Tail sculpture.
At the finish, families were greeted by a vintage fire engine and firefighters who handed out toys, gave tours of their truck, and talked about street safety. One parent told us, “We love doing this every year, thank you so much for bringing this back!”
In total, around fifty parents and kids joined us to learn more about family biking programs and how they can get involved. Events like this help families feel more confident biking in the city and strengthen our partnerships with local departments that share our commitment to safer streets. Get connected with more events like this and learn more about the Safe Routes program and how you and your family can get involved.
