GLENDALE, CA – March 29, 2024: The HDR Foundation, in partnership with All Kids Bike, is pleased to announce the expansion of the All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Learn-to-Ride Program to Dunsmore Elementary, a Title 1 school in Glendale. This initiative, made possible by a generous donation from the HDR Foundation, seeks to impart the joy of bike riding and promote essential life skills among young learners.
In a demonstration of commitment to education, healthy communities and environmental stewardship, HDR has contributed $360,000 to All Kids Bike for the 2023-24 school year. This substantial donation will support 40 schools across the United States, specifically in areas where HDR employees live and work. The cumulative support from HDR to All Kids Bike now exceeds $500,000 over the past two school years.
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. Dunsmore celebrated the introduction of the program with a kickoff event alongside HDR.
“Only one in four children will get on a bike in the course of a year, so learning this skill at such a young age is a tremendous opportunity,” said Anna Lantin, HDR’s Southern California area operations manager. “HDR is grateful to be part of a program that promotes healthy habits and builds great memories for a lifetime.”
Lisa Weyer, executive director of the Strider Education Foundation, expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership with HDR, emphasizing 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 thrilled to be part of this ongoing journey with HDR, creating a ripple effect of positive change in communities nationwide.”
At Dunsmore, this program will positively impact approximately 60 kindergarten students each year. With a lifespan of seven to 10 years for the equipment, it is estimated that up to 600 students will benefit from this initiative over the next decade.
“We are grateful to HDR and All Kids Bike for this wonderful opportunity,” said Rain Gibney, kindergarten teacher at Dunsmore Elementary. “La Crescenta is a great place to live, but the hills make it a tough place to learn to ride a bike. Having the kids learn at school on a large, flat playground, safe from cars, will make a huge difference. We are excited to see the impact this year and for future classes at Dunsmore.”
The HDR Foundation 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.
