LOWER BRULE, SD, September 23, 2024 – All Kids Bike, the national 501(c)(3) nonprofit teaching kindergarten students how to ride bikes in PE class, is activating their All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Learn-to-Ride Program at Lower Brule Elementary School, thanks to a generous donation from the Flying Pistons.
The comprehensive program includes teacher training and certification, complete curriculum with lesson plans, games and activities, a fleet of 24 Strider balance-to-pedal bikes, pedal conversion kits, fully adjustable student helmets, an instructor bike with pedal conversion kit and helmet, two rolling storage racks, and access to a resource portal with live support for the life of the program. Lower Brule Elementary celebrated the introduction of the program with a kickoff event alongside representatives from the Flying Pistons that included a surprise reveal of the bikes to excited kindergarteners.
“Flying Piston Benefit Breakfasts, held during the Sturgis and Daytona motorcycle rallies, draw motorcycle riders who want to share their love of riding,” stated Marilyn Stemp, Co-founder of the Flying Pistons, knowing the love for being on two wheels starts early. “Children who ride bicycles enjoy the outdoors, develop confidence, and, we hope, ultimately become motorcycle riders! The Flying Piston Benefit is proud to support the mission of All Kids Bike and we’re delighted to provide funds to cover this program for the children at Lower Brule Elementary.”
Lisa Weyer, executive director of the Strider Education Foundation, expressed appreciation for the partnership with the Flying Pistons, emphasizing the transformative impact of early bike riding education. “Learning to ride a bike empowers children with a positive foundation for a lifelong skill. Bike riding develops physical and mental well-being, instills confidence and fosters better classroom focus.” At Lower Brule Elementary, this program will positively impact approximately 28 kindergarten students each year by teaching them how to ride a bike in kindergarten PE class. With a lifespan of 7-10 years for the equipment, it is estimated that up to 280 students will benefit from this initiative over the next decade.
Superintendent of Lower Brule School District, Lance Witte, knowing the importance of learning how to ride a bike states, “By introducing cycling at an early age, we are teaching our students a lifelong skill. The joy and confidence they gain from the All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Learn-to-Ride Program will stay with them, fostering a love for physical activity that they will carry into adulthood. We know that physical activity plays a vital role in academic success. With this program, our students are becoming healthier and improving their focus, concentration, and problem-solving skills in the classroom.”
The Flying Pistons 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.
