Confluence Rotary donates ‘brain bikes’ to Wenatchee classrooms

The Wenatchee Confluence Rotary Club delivered eight brain bikes to six different schools this past week. Delayed by two years, due to COVID-related supply chain challenges the bikes were assembled by club members and delivered to Orchard Middle School, Columbia Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Washington Elementary, and Sunnyslope Elementary. Members of the club and funds from the Rotary Foundation paid for the bikes.

Research has proven the positive connection between exercise and brain activity. Stationary bikes or “brain bikes” used in classrooms, help students learn to self-regulate their energy and emotions in order to reduce stress, anxiety, anger, restlessness, and fatigue. The use of the bikes also improves memory and the ability to concentrate, as well as mood. Widely popular in schools throughout Canada, and increasingly used in US classrooms, teachers report that the bikes help increase students’ attention spans, resulting in increased academic achievement due to enhanced engagement in the learning process.  Providing students with a tool to practice self-regulation seemed a perfect fit for the Wenatchee School District’s increased focus on the connection between social-emotional learning and academic achievement.

After receiving her classroom’s brain bike, Washington Elementary teacher Tracy Walsh said her students were amazed and excited to give them a ride. Walsh’s 5th-grade students can use the bike during instruction time and during designated break periods to help students calm down and self-regulate. At Columbia Elementary, four bikes are available for all students and are stationed in the "Cougar Cave" a safe space inside the school for students who need a break to refocus. Each school will have its own implementation of the bikes based on its unique needs and spaces. The bikes, manufactured by Copernicus Education Products come with instructions and tips for educators on integrating the bikes into their social and emotional support practices.

Rotary Club President, Wendy Dalpez adds, “When I first joined our club 2 years ago and heard about the brain bikes, I wished these had been available for my daughter when she was in school and we were told she needed a moving chair. I think these bikes are going to be a great addition to the classroom and I am very proud of our club for recognizing this need.” The club will stay connected with schools and looks forward to hearing about their impact. 

A priority of WSD’s new strategic plan is the development of partnerships that enhance student wellbeing and success and a goal of the district’s strategic plan is for students to know they belong and are connected. Through this partnership with Confluence Rotary to equip classrooms with brain bikes, the community is directly supporting the work of keeping students engaged in learning and supporting their social and emotional well-being.