GEAR UP CMSD: Pedaling Towards Success

September 7, 2026 9:45 AM - May 14, 2027 12:00 PM

A Smart Cycling Other class.

GEAR Up CMSD: Pedaling Toward Success

GEAR Up CMSD is a comprehensive in-school and after-school bicycle education initiative developed by BikeClevelands Education Director, Diana Hildebrand in partnership with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD). The program uses the bicycle as a powerful tool to promote physical education, health, safety, leadership, and lifelong wellness while helping students build confidence both on and off the bike.

During the school day, GEAR Up CMSD integrates bicycle education into the Physical Education curriculum, providing students with progressive, standards-aligned lessons that teach bicycle safety, riding skills, traffic awareness, bicycle maintenance, and healthy active transportation. Through hands-on instruction led by certified cycling educators and trained PE teachers, students develop the knowledge and skills needed to ride safely and confidently in their neighborhoods and beyond. The curriculum aligns with Ohio Physical Education Standards and supports Safe Routes to School initiatives.

Beyond the school day, the GEAR Up CMSD After-School Bike Club extends learning through engaging rides, skills challenges, bicycle mechanics, leadership opportunities, community exploration, and service-learning projects. Students strengthen teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and decision-making while discovering Cleveland's neighborhoods, trails, parks, and community assets from a new perspective.

By combining movement, experiential learning, and real-world application, GEAR Up CMSD empowers students to become safer cyclists, healthier individuals, and future community leaders. The program is designed to inspire a lifelong love of bicycling while fostering independence, responsibility, environmental stewardship, and active transportation throughout the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.