U.S. National Cycling Center Already Making a Difference

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.: Although the physical space for the U.S. National Cycling Center (NCC) is still under construction in downtown Winston-Salem, the organization is already making a difference in our local community.

R.J. Reynolds High School has been the first beneficiary of what is planned to be an ongoing relationship between the NCC and Winston-Salem / Forsyth County Schools.

“The NCC has a two-pronged mission,” says NCC Executive Director Lynn Berry. “Once completed, our physical space will serve as the country’s premier training destination for elite cyclists. But our mission goes beyond that, and our community activities are already underway.”

Made possible by a grant from the Richard J. Reynolds, III and Marie M. Reynolds Foundation, the NCC purchased 30 bicycles and two trailers earlier this year. This allowed R.J. Reynolds High School to incorporate cycling into its physical education classes this fall, bringing an added element to the program beyond team sports. The school system is interested in exposing students to life-long activities that encourage healthy-living and fitness beyond team sports.

“Cycling is something everyone can participate in, at any level,” Berry said. “Many of these kids were learning to ride a bike for the first time.”

The NCC is working with Safe Routes to School and the city of Winston-Salem to be able to offer cycling to students of all ages as part of the physical education curriculum, and is looking to include a children’s bicycle clinic in conjunction with the Winston-Salem Classic bike races to be held in Winston-Salem in May.

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About the NCC: The U.S. National Cycling Center will be the country’s premier training destination for elite cyclists, providing athletes access to leading-edge sports medicine research. It also acts as a community resource for cycling-related fitness, activity, education and advocacy. For more information, visit USNCC.org.