SW New Mexico News

This week, 100 students from Las Cruces Public Schools received bicycles as part of an annual giveaway organized by the LCPS Safe Routes to School program. This initiative, now in its seventh year, is funded through donations collected on behalf of Southwest Disposal. The company uses these funds to purchase bicycles for students in need.

Ashleigh Curry, who works with the LCPS Safe Routes to School program, leads bicycle safety classes within the district. Before the students were allowed to find their bicycles marked with their names, Curry provided a final discussion on the "ABCs of bicycle safety." She explained that "A" stands for air in the tires, "B" reminds students to check their brakes, and "C" stands for chain maintenance.

Curry also reminded students at Highland Elementary School not to forget about "D," which she explained as standing for "dangly things," warning them against letting items like lanyards or shoelaces get caught in the chain.

Highland Elementary's Principal Esteban Alvarez was present during Wednesday’s event and remarked on the importance of making learning enjoyable. “Those smiles say it all,” Alvarez noted. “They’re having fun, but the knowledge they’re getting is powerful.”

Curry emphasized that teaching safety and road rules precedes fitting students with helmets and allowing them a practice ride around the cafeteria. Parents were informed to arrange for bike pick-up at the end of the school day.

The event at Highland Elementary followed similar giveaways at Central Elementary earlier in the week. Additional giveaways were scheduled at Jornada Elementary and Monte Vista Elementary on Thursday, followed by Fairacres Elementary and Conlee Elementary on Friday.