In October 2011, the Fair Haven Community Health Center’s Diabetes Prevention Program (FHCHC DPP) expanded its exercise, nutrition, and gardening classes to engage in a one-time bicycle education program. Paul Hammer, local bicycle advocate and active member of the New Haven Bike Collective (http://www.newhavenbikecollective.com), volunteered his time to supply two DPP families with retrofitted bikes, helmets, and an educational ride down the Farmington Canal trail (http://www.farmingtoncanal.org).
On the sunny afternoon of October 16th, the two participating DPP families met two FHCHC staff members, Hammer, and two volunteers from Farnam Neighborhood House, Liz Gambardella, Executive Director, and Frank Redente, Program Director, at the Winchester Avenue entrance to the canal trail. There, the participants were fitted with helmets while Paul demonstrated basic bicycle safety guidelines. Soon afterwards, the group of 14 adults and children set off on their adventure. Some walked their bikes, holding small sons and daughters at the same time and enjoying the beautiful trail and company. Some rode ahead and turned back to meet the group a couple of hours later. Paul took frequent opportunities to explain the historical plaques along the canal, and to provide bike coaching.
At the end of the day, satisfied with an afternoon of group exercise, all participants were given the bikes to take home with them as a gift from the New Haven Bike Collective. The helmets were provided and then donated to the participated DPP families by Elm City Cycling (http://elmcitycycling.org).
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- Paul Hammer teaching bicycle safety pre-ride
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- Paul Hammer instructing DPP staffer Mari Montosa on fitting helmets
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- DPP staffer Mari Montosa fitting helmets
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- FHCHC staffer Emily Swenson fitting DPP participant with Helmet
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- Helmet spray painted by local artist James Capuras
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- Brandon showing off his riding skills
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- DPP participants ready to ride!
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- The beautiful, donated New Haven Bike Collective bikes
