Daycare & Preschool Programs
The Kids on Wheels program was exceptional, from the first meeting with Maya to the implementation of the hands on program! All of the activities, whether inside or outside were suitable for all levels of our children's abilities. The staff were knowledgeable and confident in the lessons. The children LOVED the Kids on Wheels staff and program! All of the children grew in their own skills and confidence with the balance bikes during the week. One of our parents signed their child up for another session as their child said "the teachers are soooo nice." We look forward to having Kids on Wheels back next year!!!!
Suzy MacPherson, Preschool Teacher, 2019
Our children had a lot of fun during the week you were all here. They were definitely exhausted at the end of each day! It was great to see all the children progress and improve by the end of the week. Even those who already knew how to bike were able to enjoy using the balance bikes to go through the different courses. Our class loved the story books and the staff were all very patient and helpful. Thanks to you and your team for coming in! We are very grateful and can't wait to have you guys back next year!
Livia Lee, Preschool Teacher
Spare Time Treehouse Preschool, 2019
Thank you and all your amazing staff for all the hard work and dedication you have done this past week. We absolutely love your program and everything you offered to our children. It was so organized and well done. Kiwassa children and families and staff are so appreciative for including us!
Lori, Daycare Coordinator
Kiwassa Variety Club, 2019
The families and children loved the program! (and so did staff!) One parent told me how impressed he was with his child’s progress. He said at the beginning of the week his child couldn’t get on a bike and by this past weekend, that’s all the child wanted to do! It was great to see the children grow so much in such a short amount of time. The program is set up so well and I like that it appeals to different interest areas – reading, painting, games and on the track children were able to race around or try the ropes and cones. Thank you.
Amanda Barstow, Early Childhood Educator Lead
Bumble Bear Daycare, 2018
Our children, through the fun interactive activities that Kids on Wheels Program implemented, improved their gross and fine motor skills. I observed children's self-esteem develop over the week as their confidence and strength developed as they faced new challenges.
Susan Nelson, Senior Supervisor
Eagles in the Sky Daycare, 2016
At the centre where I had the opportunity to observe the program in Vancouver (preschool ages 3-5), I witnessed the clarity and accuracy of the prompts and teachings from the instructors and the motivation of the children and early childhood educators involved. The program did not stop outdoors with children’s use of the balance bikes, but continued inside with arts and crafts that connected the teachings from the outdoor session with children’s own reflections and insights. A true example of research-to-practice connection that brought, at the same time, joy and a sense of well-being for all involved.
Mari Pighini, Ph.D. MED Coordinator
UBC Early Childhood Education, 2016
Balance Bike Camps
My child and I gained the confidence to use a balance bike on the road after practicing indoors in a safe and guided environment at the camp. The coaches were very engaged and encouraging. Story time around biking was fun and interesting. It was our first camp and I am glad we had a great experience!
Parent of a two y/o, Kow Junior Camp, Kitsilano Community Centre, 2021
We really enjoyed the diverse activities that the program offered: from bike related books, bike related music, road obstacles and safety and bike information for parents. It was very well organized and we enjoyed it very much!
Parent of a two y/o, Kow Junior Camp, West Point Grey Community Centre, 2021
We just finished a week camp with Kids on Wheels. It was my son's first camp and he was very excited. He now rides his balance bike every day when we take our dog for a walk. I liked that the activities at the camp were varied. He not only loved riding on the circuit but he was over the moon when he had to pump a tire. He also shared with us the stories he listened to and often looks for the books at the library
Parent, Kitsilano Community Centre Camp, 2019
[My child] really enjoyed the camp, and every morning he would excitedly ask me if it was time to go to bike camp yet! The instructors were very experienced, and the kids had a great time. He was always so happy to go to camp, and was sad when it ended. He did not want to leave on the last day, he was having so much fun!
Parent, Kitsilano Community Centre Camp, 2019
Very good team, very welcoming and knowledgeable. Patient with the kids. The program duration was just perfect.
Parent, Kitsilano Community Centre Camp, 2018
The program is amazing! My daughter, who had very little interest in riding her balance bike, was eager to ride it back home from daycare (and we live about a 25-minute walk away). By day 2 she was riding with confidence and enthusiasm. I thank you all for organizing this wonderful program!
Parent, Eaglets Daycare, 2015
Kids on Wheels Zones
We had Kids on Wheels out for our Main Street festival in 2016 and it was an absolute highlight for everyone involved to see the constant flow of children being exposed to balance bikes and safe riding habits. Car Free Day works very hard to be a family friendly event but it’s not easy to fill our event site with child friendly attractions so we are very eager to see this program succeed.
Matthew Carrico, Executive Director
Car Free Vancouver Society, 2017
The BCCC Kids on Wheels program plays a strong role in exposing children to active transportation and its benefits. This education and outreach, child by child, parent by parent, and teacher by teacher, we believe, helps shift public perceptions and attitudes towards active transportation and its myriad health, safety, and community long-term benefits.
Itay Wand Board Member
Car Free Vancouver Society, 2017