A new program for girls in Princeton will launch next week at Community Park Elementary School. “Girls In Gear”, a non-profit with chapters in multiple states, will bring their unique curriculum of ‘life skills through bike skills’ to young riders, aiming to “make sure every girl has the chance to grow into the biggest, boldest, and brightest version of themselves – on and off their bike”.

The new class marks the first time that Girls In Gear will operate at a Princeton Public Schools site. School parent-teacher organizations recently launched a campaign to encourage students to walk or ride bicycles to school (Report: “First Princeton “Walk & Wheel Wednesday” Happening This Week!“). However, the school district does not offer any classes or training for students to ride bicycles.

Girls In Gear aims to be more than a safety program, with a goal of “through biking, help girls stretch their boundaries, explore their leadership potential, and try new challenges”. The class will meet at 3:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. Trained coaches will work with participants to “blend skill-building on the bike with lessons in confidence, connection, and self-discovery.” Girls aged 8-11 can register.

The first session in the class is now scheduled to meet on Wednesday, September 24. The arrangments came together late, so the organizers have delayed the start until that date, to give more students a chance to register. People who are interested and who may have questions are encouraged to contact Diana Mitchell, the Central NJ coordinator for Girls in Gear, at diana@girlsingear.com. Volunteer opportunities are also available for older students.

Updated 9/15/2025 – the class is now starting on Wednesday, September 17, to give a chance for more students to register!

Related materials (via girlsingear.com):

• Informational flyer for the new Girls In Gear class at Community Park Elementary School.
• Girls In Gear main website
• Registration page (look for “Community Park Elementary” under “Site Schedule”)