Less Screen Time. More Bike Time.

A misconception about our youth cycling programs is that we compete with other sports to get kids signed up. The reality is much, much different. While we think bikes are just a few (well, many) notches cooler than baseball, what we’re competing against isn’t another sport. 

It’s a smartphone screen. A tablet screen. Any screen. 

Kids between the ages of 8-18 spend an average of 7.5 hours a day in front of a screen. Children between the ages of 11-14 have the highest average screen time - a staggering 9 hours a day. These are hours not spent moving, exploring, gaining confidence or independence. 

The effects on the mental health and overall development of our youth are measurable. 1-in-4 school-aged children struggle with developmental delays due to excessive screen time. This Yale study analyzed screen media activity in over 5,000 children ages 9 and 10. Although the results are not surprising, they are concerning. Children who spend too much time on screens are more likely to exhibit higher levels of anxiety, social anxiety, and depression. 

So, how do we fix this? Norte’s programs are designed to engage and empower children. We get kids off the couch and on two wheels so they can experience the physical and mental benefits of being outside, with other kids, having positive first-hand experiences.

As many of you can attest, there is something simply wonderful about riding a bicycle. Thank you all for making that happen for the over 1,800 area youth we’ll get rolling in 2023. 

More bike time. Less screen time. This is something we should all aspire to. 

Tailwinds,

Wes Sovs

Development Director

231-631-8087