CARSON CITY, NV – May 8, 2024: 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 Edith W. Fritsch Elementary School, thanks to a generous donation from the HDR Foundation.
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. This initiative seeks to impart the joy of bike riding and promote essential life skills among young learners. Edith W. Fritsch Elementary School celebrated the program’s introduction with a kickoff event alongside Mayor Lori Bagwell and HDR Staff.
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.
“As a 100% employee-owned company, HDR is dedicated to this cause – it’s close to home and to our hearts,” said Craig Smart, HDR’s area manager for Nevada. “With this grant, we’ll assemble bikes and racks, deliver them to schools and join in the announcement. Seeing the joy on those faces when they see this gift to their school is priceless.”
Lisa Weyer, executive director of the Strider Education Foundation, expressed gratitude for the partnership with HDR, emphasizing the transformative impact of early bike riding education. “I am profoundly grateful for the generous support from the HDR Foundation which has made the All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Learn-to-Ride program possible at Edith Fritsch Elementary School and 39 other schools throughout the United States. HDR’s unwavering commitment to promoting childhood health and education through cycling is truly inspiring. Together, we are empowering the next generation with essential skills and fostering a lifelong love for physical activity.”
At Edith W. Fritsch Elementary School, this program will positively impact approximately 73 kindergarten students each year. With a lifespan of seven to 10 years for the equipment, it is estimated that up to 730 students will benefit from this initiative over the next decade.
Bethany Henry-Herman, Physical Education Teacher at Edith Fritsch Elementary is looking forward to the benefits of teaching children how to bike. “Fritsch Elementary School would like to thank HDR, All Kids Bikes, and all the contributors who made this possible. The collaboration of these organizations demonstrates the power of community partnerships in enhancing educational experiences for students to the highest standard. By supporting programs like this, they’re not only enriching the lives of students but also contributing to the overall well-being of the community. As the Physical Education teacher, I am thrilled to be able to incorporate bike riding, helmet safety, and pedestrian safety into my Kindergarten curriculum, promoting lifelong habits of both physical activity and safety awareness. HDR stands on the elements of ‘education, healthy communities and environmental stewardship’, and we will continue to promote and strive for these goals within physical education here at Fritsch Elementary School.”
HDR 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.
