About Us
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
- 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!)
Now #livingthedream riding bikes with kids all day! #morekidsonbikes
MISSION, VISION & VALUES
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.
