Twenty-six Cordova High School Velo Lancers embarked on a 10-week cycling academy hosted by the American River Bike Patrol. Photo courtesy of Vic Massenkoff

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Twenty-six students from the Cordova High School Velo Lancers have completed a comprehensive 10-week cycling academy hosted by the American River Bike Patrol, culminating in a 32-mile ride and the presentation of new bicycles to each participant.

The program, part of American River Bike Patrol’s Bike Academy, introduces high school students to safe cycling, first aid, bike maintenance and trail etiquette. During the academy, students advanced from short rides of just a few miles to a major accomplishment: riding from Beals Point at Folsom Lake all the way to Discovery Park in Sacramento.

"This academy does far more than teach kids how to ride," said American River Bike Patrol spokesperson Vic Massenkoff. "It builds confidence, independence and a connection to outdoor recreation that can last a lifetime.”

Mentors were assigned to cycling students, giving them the tools to succeed on and off the trail. Photo courtesy of Vic Massenkoff

The program was made possible through a partnership between the American River Bike Patrol, Trek Bicycles, the City of Rancho Cordova and community donors. Each graduate received a new Trek FX1 bicycle, ensuring they can continue riding safely after completing the course.

The City of Rancho Cordova has been a significant supporter of the students’ efforts providing Community Enhancement and Investment Fund (CEIF) grants. On their final graduation ride, Rancho Cordova Police motorcycle units escorted the students during the final two miles and over the finish line to the cheers of family and community members.

Cordova High School administrators praised the program for its impact on student engagement and wellness. Many participants entered the academy with limited cycling experience, making their final accomplishment especially meaningful.

“This program connects our students to their community in meaningful ways,” Cordova High School Principal Amy Strawn said. “By pairing students with mentors and giving them tools to succeed, the Velo Lancers foster responsibility, teamwork and community pride that ripple far beyond our school.”

The 10-week cycling academy, part of American River Bike Patrol’s Bike Academy, introduces high school students to safe cycling, first aid, bike maintenance and trail etiquette. Photo courtesy of Vic Massenkoff

Said program coordinator Rich Fowler, "The transformation we see in these students is inspiring. They learned to take on challenges and believe in themselves and each other. They formed quite a team and now share the joy of exploring their community by bike."

Lead Velo Lancers mentor Lary Bucher appreciates how mentors also grow from the experience of passing their love of cycling to a new generation.

"It's hard to tell sometimes who benefits most, the students or the mentors,” Bucher said. “It's a genuine win-win situation for both.”

This year, the program was enhanced with safety skills training led by League of American Bicyclists certified instructor Rich Fowler. 

The American River Bike Patrol, a volunteer-run nonprofit organization, has long been recognized for its commitment to trail safety along the American River Parkway. The success of the Velo Lancers academy further reflects the group's mission to educate, equip and empower the region's youth.

During the academy, students advanced from short rides of just a few miles to a major accomplishment: riding from Beals Point at Folsom Lake all the way to Discovery Park in Sacramento. Photo courtesy of Vic Massenkoff

The Bike Academy relies on volunteer mentors and generous donors.

Bike Academy mentors come from throughout the Sacramento region, including Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, Loomis and Auburn.

Established in 2020, the American River Bike Patrol is a nonprofit organization. The patrol is a unit of the Mother Lode Region in the Far West Division of the National Ski Patrol, serving within the patrol’s National Bike Patrol.

Its 110 members serve as trail ambassadors, helping trail users (walkers, runners, cyclists, mountain bikers, e-boarders, skaters, equestrians, etc.) with trail etiquette, directions, first aid, bike repairs and general assistance. As both bike and on-foot safety patrollers, they report trail maintenance, safety and security concerns. 

The cycling academy program was enhanced with safety skills training led by League of American Bicyclists certified instructor Rich Fowler. Photo courtesy of Vic Massenkoff

The American River Bike Patrol has twice been named the best bike patrol in the nation. Its members have been recognized as among the nation's elite bike patrollers and have received state and national awards for lifesaving.

The American River Bike Patrol now patrols more than 400 miles of bike paths and multi-use trails, having recently entered into agreements to patrol bike paths within the cities of Sacramento and Roseville. In addition, the American River Bike Patrol’s newly formed Mountain Bike Unit has begun service to the Folsom Lake and Auburn State Recreation Areas and with Placer County along the Hidden Falls and Dry Creek trails.

With many more new paths and trails to patrol, the American River Bike Patrol is actively recruiting new volunteer patrollers from throughout the Sacramento region. For more information about joining or supporting the team, go online to americanriverbikepatrol.org or visit Facebook.com/ American River Bike Patrol.