GREEN BAY, WI – December 19, 2023: All Kids Bike, the national nonprofit teaching kindergarten students how to ride bikes in PE class, is activating their All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Learn-to-Ride Program at Howe Elementary School with support from Green Bay Packers 2x Pro Bowl defensive tackle, Kenny Clark and Mayfield Sports Marketing.
The comprehensive program includes teacher training and certification, a fleet of 24 bikes, pedal conversion kits, helmets, an instructional bike for teachers, two rolling storage racks, and access to a resource portal with live support for the duration of the program. Howe Elementary celebrated the introduction of the program with a kickoff event alongside Kenny Clark and Mayfield Sports Marketing representatives.
“Being a professional athlete, I know the value in physical activity and that learning to ride a bike is important for every child.” Clark stated, “I hope the kids at Howe Elementary enjoy the All Kids Bike program for many years.”
Lisa Weyer, executive director of the Strider Education Foundation emphasized the transformative impact of early bike riding education. “The ability to ride a bike not only develops physical and mental well-being, instilling confidence and fostering better classroom focus, but it also empowers children with a positive foundation for a lifelong skill. We are so grateful to work with supporters like the Green Bay Packers, who are passionate about giving back to communities throughout the state.”
The Green Bay Area Public School District is the fourth largest in the state with over 18,000 students. According to their 2023-24 GBAPS District Fact Sheet, of their diverse student population, 60.6% are considered economically disadvantaged.
This program will be especially impactful for Howe Elementary as they are predominately a walking school in downtown Green Bay. Approximately 45 kindergartners will be affected by the program this year alone. With a lifespan of 7-10 years for the equipment, it is estimated that up to 450 students will benefit from this initiative over the next decade.
“In our school we have a number of students that don’t have access to bikes. Having a program at school would provide equity so that all students have access to learning how to ride a bike.” Shared Amy Kallioinen, Principal at Howe Elementary, “This can help students build some positive and healthy outdoor skills, they may not have had the opportunity prior if they didn’t know how to ride a bike.”
Kenny Clark, Mayfield Marketing and All Kids Bike are committed to enriching the lives of young learners and cultivating valuable skills through the joy of bike riding. This collaborative effort exemplifies their dedication to building healthier, happier communities, one pedal at a time.
