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Grand Opening Gets Delta Bikeology Shop Rolling

By ROB FAULKNER

Break time and cake time at the grand opening.

For a group of Delta students, majoring in “Bikeology” means everything from patching tubes to small business branding to writing invitations for events like the May 17 grand opening of the innovative program and bike shop.

With its garage bay door raised, Delta welcomed the community to the official opening of the program and shop where students learn all about bike repair, earn credits and run a small business.

Students earn three credits – Technological Studies, Business/Marketing and English courses – in a non-traditional way that opens their eyes to an education on two wheels. In the overhauled garage area, teacher Walter Bogul said he has a great group of students enjoying a less traditional take on tech studies.

Brett, for example, explains that he has worked at several area bike shops and can now draw on that expertise for coursework; he’s also moving into leadership studies. Nick built his first bike himself and as a former bike courier has a passion for fixed-gear road bikes – and now he can tap into that passion at school.

Principal Paul Barwinski said it is one more way Delta can make school more interesting and engaging for every student. It takes creative thinking, by staff and students, to deliver curriculum in new ways, explains David Hoy, manager of social work.

The staff and students have already achieved one of their big goals: opening a bike shop where they can fix donated bikes and give them to fellow students who made not own one. Elementary schools feeding into Delta sent classes to the opening, and one elementary student won a free bike and helmet. Vice-Principal Christine Nicolaides praised the program to giving back to the community.

The class is highlighting its progress on Twitter at @hwdsbdeltabike. To donate bikes for the program, contact the office at Delta Secondary School at 905-549-3031.

Enjoy some photos from the day.