Lake Tahoe bike group presents program to curb preventable disease in children

There is an epidemic in America of increasing childhood obesity and the ill effects attributed to a chronic sedentary lifestyle and a diet high in fat. The Center for Disease Control estimates that 2/3 of the American public are obese and that childhood diabetics, asthma and cardiovascular risk factors lead to adult morbidity, diabetes and significant psychological impact on the obese children. The organization goes on to state that this may be the first generation in the history of man, that children may not outlive the lifespan of their parents.

Meanwhile, studies have shown that school age students who have a higher level of physical fitness have been associated with better rates of attendance and fewer disciplinary incidents with regards to violence, drugs, alcohol or truancy.

A local bicycle advocacy organization is taking a stand to help curb these otherwise preventable diseases with a fundraising program called Bucks 4 Bikes. Bucks 4 Bikes is a campaigned produced by the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition, a local nonprofit organization, for the purpose of raising funds to purchase bicycles, bicycle helmets, and bicycle safety materials in an effort to foster a more fit and active lifestyle among Tahoe’s youth. Bicycle riding increases cardiovascular fitness, tones muscles, and stimulates the production of dopamine and serotonin hormones which can all contribute to improved self-image, socialization and increased productivity at school and home.

To date, the Bike Coalition has received $1,000 from the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority and the American Century Championship Pro/Celebrity Golf Tournament to help purchase bikes, helmets and educational materials to be used in an upcoming Bike Safety for Youth program.

In an effort to raise additional funds, the Bike Coalition has integrated the Bucks 4 Bikes program into its Tahoe Bike Challenge going on from June 4-15, 2012. Registered riders of the Challenge are encouraged to pledge a monetary amount per mile that they ride. Additional ways people and organizations can contribute to the fundraising efforts is by making a donation. Both Challenge registration and donations may be made by going to www.TahoeBike.org. All funds of the Bucks 4 Bikes program go to the purchase of bikes, helmets and educational materials to help Tahoe’s youth to become more fit, safe and understanding of their responsibility for the healthy body and environment.

For more information about the Bucks 4 Bikes program, and the upcoming Bike Safety for Youth program contact Ty Polastri, Executive Director, Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition at BikeTahoe@aol.com.