Sprockids Celebrates 25 Years of Getting Kids on Bikes (1990 -2015)
 | Through the sport of mountain biking young people will have the opportunity to develop the skills, values, and strategies that will guide them throughout their lives and enable them to succeed in school and in life. - Sprockids Mission Statement |
Doug Detwiller, a teacher on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, originally created Sprockids as a Self-Esteem and Anger Management Program to engage his reluctant learners.
Today Sprockids has evolved into a multi-faceted program used in 21 countries by teachers, cycling clubs, community programs, First Nations, IBDs, Boys & Girl Clubs, ski resorts, police departments, parents, National Cycling Programs, and many other groups wanting to teach young people the necessary skills to enjoy mountain biking in a safe and fun manner.
Since its humble beginning in 1990, Sprockids has engaged hundreds of thousands of young people in the life-long activity of mountain biking around the world. Sprockids is a living, breathing program that continues to grow, adapt, and expand to meet the needs of today’s young riders.
In 2013, Giant Bicycles Canada partnered up with Sprockids to further develop and refine the program. A new logo was designed, along with the development of new instructional material, soon to be offered in both French and English. Over the course of two years over 285 Sprockids Leaders have been trained. New Sprockids Programs are happening from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland and everywhere in between!
Sprockids has also partnered up with the Tim Horton’s Children Foundation to develop a "Mini Sprockids Program" for their summer camps. Each year thousands of their campers discover the thrill of mountain biking. Sprockids is also helping out with the Canucks Autism Network by teaching biking skills at their camps and youth events.
Mountain biking is one of the few sports parents can actually DO with their children. Being able to share the experience with one’s children is very special. More and more adults are looking for an activity that will allow them to be active and rediscover the child within them. Having a physical outlet for our daily stress, anxiety, frustration, and anger is very important for an individual, no matter what the age. Getting out into the woods and experiencing the world of mountain biking is truly magical.
Creating a cycling community and culture is a huge part of Sprockids. Communities throughout Canada and the world are embracing mountain biking like never before, and the demand for the program just keeps on growing.
If you’re interested in learning more about Sprockids, check out the website at sprockids.com.
Sprockids is sponsored by Giant Bicycles Canada.
Supported by: Hayes Bicycle Group, (OGC) Outdoor Gear Canada, & Ryders Eyewear
MENTIONS: @GiantBicycle / @Hayescomponents / @RydersEyewear
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9 Comments
- 8 0
jayhore
(Nov 2, 2015 at 14:06)
Sprockids is an Awesome program every town needs it. Took the leader course from Doug a few years ago and now we have 80+ kids per year in the program in Hinton, AB. www.bikehinton.com Thanks Doug!!!
- 3 0
jonestown420
(Nov 2, 2015 at 14:13)
This is great, Mr. D was one of the most influential people i have ever been honored to know. As one of the first 13 kids to go through the sprockids program and to have started racing, I take the knowledge i learned then to pass on this sport to other youth that may lead astray now. Thank you Mr. D for giving all of us the opportunity for greatness
- 1 0
beyondbiking
(Nov 3, 2015 at 13:09)
Sprockids is such a great program. I have been running for a year now and have parents asking all the time when the next one will be! I recommend it for all schools and cities to help get more kids active and on bikes! It is so amazing to see a kid at the start that is terrified to ride their bike to by the second day ask when the next time they can ride is!
- 1 0
jbarilwalker
(Nov 4, 2015 at 7:15)
I was fortunate enough to have had Doug as a teacher 1995 while the Sprockids program was in its first handful of years and can't say how lucky I was to have had such a great teacher and influence at that point in my life. 20 years later and I'm still riding bikes, thanks Doug!
- 1 0
stever
(Nov 3, 2015 at 11:51)
Programs are great. One thing I feel is still missing though is manufacturers who are producing smartly spec'd bikes with appropriate geometry. We all know how the quality of your bike contributes to your riding experience. And yet, having recently put my 9 and 7 year old into "upper end" bikes to get them into riding, it was a real big struggle to find anything appropriate, and even when I did, there were still compromises. Certain small companies are starting to find the niche and fill the void, like Spawn Cycles, but the big bike brands just don't seem to get it.
- 1 0
criscokid25
FL (Nov 4, 2015 at 15:18)
Doug has put together a great program. We have been running Sprockds Kamloops for 2 years now with amazing success! I mean it's about getting kids stoked on bikes...not a thing wrong with that!
- 3 0
Manx
(Nov 2, 2015 at 15:03)
Nice to see a large company like Giant bicycles get involved.
- 2 0
inverted180
(Nov 2, 2015 at 16:44)
Makes sense for the companies to get in involved now....get biking bug in them early and you will have customers for life. Win,Win.
- 2 0
sebs-i-think
(Nov 2, 2015 at 19:35)
Awesome Job Doug. I feel proud to have helped run the 20th anniversary of Sprockids.
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