WHAT IS THE PAL CYCLING CLUB?
The Richmond Police Department Police Athletic League (PAL) Cycling Club is a club designated for youth cyclist enthusiasts in the Richmond, VA area. Its purpose is to maintain positive relationships between Richmond police officers and inner city youth through organized bicycle rides utilizing the Virginia Capital Trail and other park trails throughout the city of Richmond. The youth members will learn bike safety and awareness and other educational components that focus on PAL values such as: *Safety * Teamwork* Leadership* Respect and *Integrity all while having fun in a safe and structured environment.
This is for boys and girls from ages 10-14
Members must have proficient biking skills.
RPD PAL Sports Waiver/ physical must be signed and completed.
Members must wear closed-toe shoes and athletic wear during the bike rides.
Members can use their own bicycle and/or helmet. Items will be provided if needed.
The bike rides are scheduled at different times due to the weather/ heat index.
RPD PAL is offering this activity at No cost to the participant.
WHAT GUIDELINES ARE IN ?
Each organized ride will have no more than 8 youth members and 2 officers at a time.
Our cycling club will utilize a circular paceline or staggered biking formation to achieve the greatest amount of distance between each biker. We are still encouraging social distancing.
There is a supply of hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes on hand. These items are kept in the officer's bike bag throughout the duration of the ride for use whenever needed.
Youth members are encouraged to stay well hydrated! Water will also be provided.
WHAT IS A NORMAL DAY LIKE WITH THE PAL CYCLING CLUB?
All organized bicycle rides are scheduled during the daytime hours. Officers will use PAL vehicles to transport youth members and the bicycles to the trail starting point in Richmond for each particular ride. Once the members reached their destination, they will return to the starting point where the members and bicycles will be transported home via PAL vehicles. There are restroom stops and businesses along the biking route for ample rest breaks. In fact, some of the kids and cops favorite stops are 7-11 for Slurpee treats and Dairy Queen for ice cream treats.
WHAT IS THE CAPITAL TRAIL?
The Virginia Capital Trail is a 51.7 multi-use, fully-paved trail that runs through 4 jurisdictions (City of Richmond, Henrico County, Charles City County, and James City County) with dozens of attractions along the way.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF CLUB MEMBERSHIP?
Bronze Level- Completion of 5 bike rides
Silver Level-Completion of 15 bike rides
Gold Level- Completion of 20 bike rides
Platinum Level- Completion of 30 bike rides
Members will be recognized at the annual PAL banquet.
The long-term goal of this cycling club is to bike the entire distance of the VA Capital Trail in two years (2022). We will achieve this goal by gradually increasing our biking distance (example: begin biking at 1-2 miles, then increase to 2-4 miles, then 3-6 miles, 4-8 miles, 5-10 miles, 6-12 miles, etc.).
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE PAL CYCLING CLUB?
Capital Trail Rules and Etiquette
⦁ Be Respectful and Alert
⦁ Stay to the right, pass on the left, and give audible warnings
⦁ Obey all Trail and Road Signs
⦁ Use safe speeds, slowdown in congested areas
⦁ If you’re on wheels, yield to pedestrians
⦁ Pull off the Trail when stopped
⦁ Keep dogs on short leashes and clean up after your pet
⦁ Maintain single file when allowing others to pass
⦁ No unauthorized motorized vehicles
Contact Numbers to the law enforcement jurisdictions:
⦁ City of Richmond: 804-646-5100
⦁ Henrico County: 804-501-5000
⦁ Charles City County: 804-652-4701
⦁ James City County: 757-253-1800
⦁ To report maintenance and safety concerns, call 804-788-6453
The Richmond Police Department Police Athletic League (PAL) Cycling Club is a club designated for youth cyclist enthusiasts in the Richmond, VA area. Its purpose is to maintain positive relationships between Richmond police officers and inner city youth through organized bicycle rides utilizing the Virginia Capital Trail and other park trails throughout the city of Richmond. The youth members will learn bike safety and awareness and other educational components that focus on PAL values such as: *Safety * Teamwork* Leadership* Respect and *Integrity all while having fun in a safe and structured environment.
This is for boys and girls from ages 10-14
Members must have proficient biking skills.
RPD PAL Sports Waiver/ physical must be signed and completed.
Members must wear closed-toe shoes and athletic wear during the bike rides.
Members can use their own bicycle and/or helmet. Items will be provided if needed.
The bike rides are scheduled at different times due to the weather/ heat index.
RPD PAL is offering this activity at No cost to the participant.
WHAT GUIDELINES ARE IN ?
Each organized ride will have no more than 8 youth members and 2 officers at a time.
Our cycling club will utilize a circular paceline or staggered biking formation to achieve the greatest amount of distance between each biker. We are still encouraging social distancing.
There is a supply of hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes on hand. These items are kept in the officer's bike bag throughout the duration of the ride for use whenever needed.
Youth members are encouraged to stay well hydrated! Water will also be provided.
WHAT IS A NORMAL DAY LIKE WITH THE PAL CYCLING CLUB?
All organized bicycle rides are scheduled during the daytime hours. Officers will use PAL vehicles to transport youth members and the bicycles to the trail starting point in Richmond for each particular ride. Once the members reached their destination, they will return to the starting point where the members and bicycles will be transported home via PAL vehicles. There are restroom stops and businesses along the biking route for ample rest breaks. In fact, some of the kids and cops favorite stops are 7-11 for Slurpee treats and Dairy Queen for ice cream treats.
WHAT IS THE CAPITAL TRAIL?
The Virginia Capital Trail is a 51.7 multi-use, fully-paved trail that runs through 4 jurisdictions (City of Richmond, Henrico County, Charles City County, and James City County) with dozens of attractions along the way.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF CLUB MEMBERSHIP?
Bronze Level- Completion of 5 bike rides
Silver Level-Completion of 15 bike rides
Gold Level- Completion of 20 bike rides
Platinum Level- Completion of 30 bike rides
Members will be recognized at the annual PAL banquet.
The long-term goal of this cycling club is to bike the entire distance of the VA Capital Trail in two years (2022). We will achieve this goal by gradually increasing our biking distance (example: begin biking at 1-2 miles, then increase to 2-4 miles, then 3-6 miles, 4-8 miles, 5-10 miles, 6-12 miles, etc.).
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE PAL CYCLING CLUB?
- Maintaining positive relationships between youth and police officers
- Promoting a healthy, fit and wellness lifestyle through exercise
- Opportunity to learn new skills relating to bicycle safety and maintenance
- Opportunity for youth to meet new friends in a safe and structured environment
Capital Trail Rules and Etiquette
⦁ Be Respectful and Alert
⦁ Stay to the right, pass on the left, and give audible warnings
⦁ Obey all Trail and Road Signs
⦁ Use safe speeds, slowdown in congested areas
⦁ If you’re on wheels, yield to pedestrians
⦁ Pull off the Trail when stopped
⦁ Keep dogs on short leashes and clean up after your pet
⦁ Maintain single file when allowing others to pass
⦁ No unauthorized motorized vehicles
Contact Numbers to the law enforcement jurisdictions:
⦁ City of Richmond: 804-646-5100
⦁ Henrico County: 804-501-5000
⦁ Charles City County: 804-652-4701
⦁ James City County: 757-253-1800
⦁ To report maintenance and safety concerns, call 804-788-6453
