UTAH—USDA Forest Service’s Geospatial Technology and Applications Center Employee Association recently donated to a new bike library and bike shop class at Salt Lake Center for Science Education Bryant Middle School.

“So far, we have contributed nine bicycles, eight helmets, tools, and over $700 to the school,” said Stacie Bender, a GTAC geospatial specialist who helped organize the employee organization’s contribution. Contributors included Forest Service and contractor staff at GTAC, USDA Farm Production and Conservation Business Center employees, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration employees.

Located near the GTAC office in downtown Salt Lake City, the bike program is led by SLCSE Bryant’s seventh grade science and bike shop class teacher, Lucas Matelich.

“Our primary learning objective is to engage students in hands-on, playful learning while implementing engineering and design processes to problem solve, tinker, collaborate and fix bikes,” he said.

Students will learn bicycle repair and maintenance as well as bicycle etiquette, safety and common practices for daily bike transportation. Twice a week, the SLCSE Bryant bike community will take afternoon group rides known by students as “urban cruising.”

“Students will be exposed to the beauty and sustainability of bicycles as portals to freedom and play. Bikes facilitate exploration, adventure, curiosity and whole health—all critically importance to the SLCSE Bryant philosophy,” Matelich said.

Once open, the free bicycle library will allow SLCSE Bryant students to borrow a bicycle for the year. Students will have access to all the tools and education necessary to maintain the functionality of their bike. They will return it at the end of the school year for use by students the following academic term.

Due to COVID-19, the class has not been held, giving Matelich time to gather needed equipment. “At this point we are preparing the bike fleet and shop so that we can hit the ground running whenever we return to in-person learning,” Matelich said.

He added, “SLCSE Bryant sees bicycles as an amazing avenue to bring wellness to its students and our community. Bikes can be used for utility as well as fun, and they can bring people together in a healthy, safe and sustainable manner. Come ride with us—all are welcome.”

“As technology professionals in a natural resources agency, we’re excited to support a project that gets kids involved in science, technology, engineering and math while also encouraging them to engage in outdoor recreation,” said Tyler Jones, a geospatial specialist at GTAC.

For more information about the bike shop program, contact Lucas Matelich.

Learn more about GTAC’s mission, projects, career opportunities and publicly available geospatial applications by visiting the center’s website.