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The PedalPower Kids Story

WELCOME LETTER FROM RACHEL

HI FRIENDS!

Do you remember your first bike? More importantly, do you remember how your first bike made you feel?

Free… alive… powerful…. independent… maybe even like a Superhero???

I sure can- not so much the bike itself (blue Schwinn), but more so the feeling of accomplishment learning to ride, the freedom of being able to get from place to place without a ride from Mom, the power in knowing I had earned my town’s “bicycle license” and could be trusted to make safe and smart decisions as I rode from place to place.

Then and now, I believe bikes change lives and make the world a better place. As the Founder of PedalPower Kids, it is my mission to help every kid feel “Super” on their bike- Super Confident, Super Safe, and Super Happy!

Despite the many documented, research-backed benefits of bike riding, the number of children riding bikes for fun and to school has dropped dramatically in the last several decades all while we are dealing with tremendous increases in childhood obesity rates, mental health conditions, over-scheduled and overstressed kids, and disconnected communities. Sure, bikes won’t solve every problem we’re facing, but more kids on bikes can certainly make a dent in all of the above.

At PedalPower Kids, getting more kids on bikes starts with providing high-quality, professional, encouraging instruction that builds confidence and trust.

In my own experiences as a parent, and from what I hear daily from friends and customers, teaching your own child a new skill can be challenging and frustrating, to put it mildly! PedalPower Kids Learn to Ride lessons, camps and group programs build lifelong riders because we use proven methods, personalized approaches to each learner and we have fun! I’ve been called the “Bike Whisperer” and “miracle worker” by many, which is very kind- but it’s our PedalPower Kids that really do the work- digging deep, facing fears, and believing in themselves enough to keep trying, even after they fall. It’s a privilege beyond measure to be able to witness and I’m so very thankful for the many, many families who have trusted PedalPower Kids with their children’s bicycle education.

Thank you for visiting. Please don’t ever hesitate to contact me for advice, tips, questions- anything I can do to get #morekidsonbikes!

Sincerely,

Rachel Varn
Founder, PedalPower Kids
Certified League Cycling Instructor #8545

About Rachel

Now #livingthedream riding bikes with kids all day! #morekidsonbikes

  • Business Development Pro - 15 years of experience working with franchisee entrepreneurs to start and build their businesses before starting PedalPower Kids
  • Endurance Sports Junkie - 2-time full distance Ironman finisher (4th overall Woman, Ironman Maryland 2015), 10+ podium finishes in 70.3 and Olympic triathlons, USA Triathlon All American and Ironman All World Athlete, Boston Marathon qualifier and finisher, Assault on Mt Mitchell Bike Race finisher (highest peak in the Eastern US)
  • Coach and Instructor - League of American Bicyclists Certified Cycling Instructor, NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) Level II Certified Coach, Coach of Anne Arundel Blue Composite Mountain Bike Team, Coached youth field hockey and track, as well as adult triathletes and runners, First Aid and CPR certified
  • Community Leader & Volunteer - Board Member, Bicycle Advocates for Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, Bike and Walk to School Day Parent Lead, Past PTA Officer and Event Chair, Mom
  • BA, Psychological and Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University (comes in handy more than you’d think teaching kids to ride a bike!)

MISSION

To cultivate a generation who will make the world a better place through bicycling:

  • Reducing reliance on fossil fuels by riding more and driving less
  • Enhancing physical and mental well-being through cycling for sport and leisure
  • Strengthening communities and intrapersonal relationships by removing walls, doors and windows- slowing down for conversation and connection
  • Developing reverence for the natural world and its precious and finitie resources through two-wheeled exploration
  • Molding resilient leaders who can stand up to adversity with compassion and humanity, “bend but not break”

Vision

To be the trusted resource for kids and families for all things bicycling, from their first steps on a balance bike to traffic safety to racing skills, and a trusted resource for vetted gear, equipment, programs and events.

To provide the highest quality education focused on boosting confidence and building safe, skilled and passionate riders.

Values

Every kid

is unique, and our programs recognize the “awesome” in every kid, and teach in a manner that respects their unique abilities.

Every kid

deserves to ride. PedalPower Kids is committed to providing opportunities for all kids to learn and love cycling, and supports local and community organizations that further that goal.

Every human

should know how to ride a bicycle with confidence, safely. Every human behind a wheel or handlebars should respect other road users and obey traffic laws. We’re in this together – Share the Road.

Life is better on two wheels.

Families, neighbors and friends can connect freely and easily with each other and the natural world around them on a bike.

KIDS, BIKE AND A BETTER WORLD

PedalPower Kids is happy to support the following nonprofits and community partners through volunteer hours, event support and more. Together, we can get more kids on bikes if we work together to improve infrastructure and safe places to ride, educate kids so they can safely ride to school and elsewhere, and offer cycling sporting events for fun and competition.

#PEDALPOWERKIDS

CHECK US OUT IN ACTION ON INSTAGRAM

  • Late spring riding starts now 🌸 We still have a few spots open in our Learn to Ride programs, perfect for getting kids confident on their bikes before summer! Tuesdays | Learn to Ride 📅 4/21–5/19 🕔 5:15–6:05 PM 📍 1120 Spa Road, Annapolis, MD Wednesdays | Learn to Ride 📅 4/22–5/20 🕓 4:15–5:05 PM 📍 8855 Veterans Hwy, Millersville, MD Thursdays | Bike Club: Learn to Ride Level 2 📅 4/23–5/21 🕙 4:15-5:30PM 📍 110 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park, MD Saturdays | Learn to Balance & Pedal Minis 📅 4/25–5/23 🕙 10:00–10:45 AM 📍 8855 Veterans Hwy, Millersville, MD Small groups, big confidence, and a whole lot of fun on two wheels. Spots are limited, link in bio
  • This week’s Why Wednesday: "Why We Ride with a Coach in the Front, Middle, and Back" The coach in the front sets the pace, watches for oncoming cars, bikers, and pedestrians, and signals when the group needs to slow or stop. The coach in the middle keeps the group connected, making sure riders don’t get too spread out and stepping in quickly if someone needs help or takes a fall. The coach in the back makes sure no rider is left behind, supports the last riders in the group, and helps manage safe street crossings by moving up to check crosswalks when needed. This structure allows kids to ride confidently, stay together, and focus on enjoying the experience, while we make sure every rider gets where they’re going safely.
  • Google can show you a place, but it can’t show you the memories. The ride there with your friends, pulling up to a favorite local spot, laughing over snacks, cooling off after a long ride, the feeling of being out all day, those are the moments that never show up online. Let’s make some memories this summer!
  • It’s the perfect day to get outside and ride ☀️
  • This week’s #WhyWednesday: “Why the Neon Camp Tshirts?” “We saw your campers coming like a swarm of bees” If you spend time near the B&A Trail or in Tenleytown in the summer, chances are you’ve noticed our pack of bike riders in matching safety green PedalPower Kids tees. That color choice is not only fun and happy- but VERY intentional. Safety Green is one of the most visible colors to the human eye, especially in daylight. For drivers, it stands out quickly against roads, sidewalks, and natural backgrounds, helping riders be seen sooner and more clearly. That extra visibility adds an important layer of safety. We use this as an opportunity to teach riders and families a bigger lesson: being seen is just as important as being skilled. That’s why we also emphasize: - Wearing reflective or high-visibility clothing when riding - Using bike lights, even during the day - Considering small details like helmet lights to increase visibility from all angles Building safe habits early helps riders feel more confident and prepared every time they get on their bike.
Late spring riding starts now 🌸 We still have a few spots open in our Learn to Ride programs, perfect for getting kids confident on their bikes before summer! Tuesdays | Learn to Ride 📅 4/21–5/19 🕔 5:15–6:05 PM 📍 1120 Spa Road, Annapolis, MD Wednesdays | Learn to Ride 📅 4/22–5/20 🕓 4:15–5:05 PM 📍 8855 Veterans Hwy, Millersville, MD Thursdays | Bike Club: Learn to Ride Level 2 📅 4/23–5/21 🕙 4:15-5:30PM 📍 110 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park, MD Saturdays | Learn to Balance & Pedal Minis 📅 4/25–5/23 🕙 10:00–10:45 AM 📍 8855 Veterans Hwy, Millersville, MD Small groups, big confidence, and a whole lot of fun on two wheels. Spots are limited, link in bio
@pedalpowerkids
@pedalpowerkids
•
Follow
Late spring riding starts now 🌸 We still have a few spots open in our Learn to Ride programs, perfect for getting kids confident on their bikes before summer! Tuesdays | Learn to Ride 📅 4/21–5/19 🕔 5:15–6:05 PM 📍 1120 Spa Road, Annapolis, MD Wednesdays | Learn to Ride 📅 4/22–5/20 🕓 4:15–5:05 PM 📍 8855 Veterans Hwy, Millersville, MD Thursdays | Bike Club: Learn to Ride Level 2 📅 4/23–5/21 🕙 4:15-5:30PM 📍 110 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park, MD Saturdays | Learn to Balance & Pedal Minis 📅 4/25–5/23 🕙 10:00–10:45 AM 📍 8855 Veterans Hwy, Millersville, MD Small groups, big confidence, and a whole lot of fun on two wheels. Spots are limited, link in bio
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/5
This week’s Why Wednesday: "Why We Ride with a Coach in the Front, Middle, and Back" The coach in the front sets the pace, watches for oncoming cars, bikers, and pedestrians, and signals when the group needs to slow or stop. The coach in the middle keeps the group connected, making sure riders don’t get too spread out and stepping in quickly if someone needs help or takes a fall. The coach in the back makes sure no rider is left behind, supports the last riders in the group, and helps manage safe street crossings by moving up to check crosswalks when needed. This structure allows kids to ride confidently, stay together, and focus on enjoying the experience, while we make sure every rider gets where they’re going safely.
@pedalpowerkids
@pedalpowerkids
•
Follow
This week’s Why Wednesday: "Why We Ride with a Coach in the Front, Middle, and Back" The coach in the front sets the pace, watches for oncoming cars, bikers, and pedestrians, and signals when the group needs to slow or stop. The coach in the middle keeps the group connected, making sure riders don’t get too spread out and stepping in quickly if someone needs help or takes a fall. The coach in the back makes sure no rider is left behind, supports the last riders in the group, and helps manage safe street crossings by moving up to check crosswalks when needed. This structure allows kids to ride confidently, stay together, and focus on enjoying the experience, while we make sure every rider gets where they’re going safely.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
Google can show you a place, but it can’t show you the memories. The ride there with your friends, pulling up to a favorite local spot, laughing over snacks, cooling off after a long ride, the feeling of being out all day, those are the moments that never show up online. Let’s make some memories this summer!
Google can show you a place, but it can’t show you the memories. The ride there with your friends, pulling up to a favorite local spot, laughing over snacks, cooling off after a long ride, the feeling of being out all day, those are the moments that never show up online. Let’s make some memories this summer!
Google can show you a place, but it can’t show you the memories. The ride there with your friends, pulling up to a favorite local spot, laughing over snacks, cooling off after a long ride, the feeling of being out all day, those are the moments that never show up online. Let’s make some memories this summer!
Google can show you a place, but it can’t show you the memories. The ride there with your friends, pulling up to a favorite local spot, laughing over snacks, cooling off after a long ride, the feeling of being out all day, those are the moments that never show up online. Let’s make some memories this summer!
Google can show you a place, but it can’t show you the memories. The ride there with your friends, pulling up to a favorite local spot, laughing over snacks, cooling off after a long ride, the feeling of being out all day, those are the moments that never show up online. Let’s make some memories this summer!
Google can show you a place, but it can’t show you the memories. The ride there with your friends, pulling up to a favorite local spot, laughing over snacks, cooling off after a long ride, the feeling of being out all day, those are the moments that never show up online. Let’s make some memories this summer!
@pedalpowerkids
@pedalpowerkids
•
Follow
Google can show you a place, but it can’t show you the memories. The ride there with your friends, pulling up to a favorite local spot, laughing over snacks, cooling off after a long ride, the feeling of being out all day, those are the moments that never show up online. Let’s make some memories this summer!
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/5
It’s the perfect day to get outside and ride ☀️
@pedalpowerkids
@pedalpowerkids
•
Follow
It’s the perfect day to get outside and ride ☀️
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
4/5
This week’s #WhyWednesday: “Why the Neon Camp Tshirts?” “We saw your campers coming like a swarm of bees” If you spend time near the B&A Trail or in Tenleytown in the summer, chances are you’ve noticed our pack of bike riders in matching safety green PedalPower Kids tees. That color choice is not only fun and happy- but VERY intentional. Safety Green is one of the most visible colors to the human eye, especially in daylight. For drivers, it stands out quickly against roads, sidewalks, and natural backgrounds, helping riders be seen sooner and more clearly. That extra visibility adds an important layer of safety. We use this as an opportunity to teach riders and families a bigger lesson: being seen is just as important as being skilled. That’s why we also emphasize: - Wearing reflective or high-visibility clothing when riding - Using bike lights, even during the day - Considering small details like helmet lights to increase visibility from all angles Building safe habits early helps riders feel more confident and prepared every time they get on their bike.
@pedalpowerkids
@pedalpowerkids
•
Follow
This week’s #WhyWednesday: “Why the Neon Camp Tshirts?” “We saw your campers coming like a swarm of bees” If you spend time near the B&A Trail or in Tenleytown in the summer, chances are you’ve noticed our pack of bike riders in matching safety green PedalPower Kids tees. That color choice is not only fun and happy- but VERY intentional. Safety Green is one of the most visible colors to the human eye, especially in daylight. For drivers, it stands out quickly against roads, sidewalks, and natural backgrounds, helping riders be seen sooner and more clearly. That extra visibility adds an important layer of safety. We use this as an opportunity to teach riders and families a bigger lesson: being seen is just as important as being skilled. That’s why we also emphasize: - Wearing reflective or high-visibility clothing when riding - Using bike lights, even during the day - Considering small details like helmet lights to increase visibility from all angles Building safe habits early helps riders feel more confident and prepared every time they get on their bike.
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/5
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