DEL RIO, TX – September 18, 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 Dr. Fermin Calderon Elementary School, thanks to a generous donation facilitated by the Del Rio Parks Foundation. Multiple donations were collected from organizations and individuals in a community effort including The Rotary Club of Del Rio, TX, iPDR Hail Specialists, and Del Rio Home & Auto.
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. Dr. Fermin Calderon Elementary celebrated the introduction of the program with a kickoff event alongside Del Rio Parks Foundation attendees, who had the opportunity to build the bikes for the program beforehand.
Jake Carsten, director of trail development for the Del Rio Parks Foundation, is extremely grateful to the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) for introducing him to the All Kids Bike program, “We were struggling to find a way to develop a cycling culture in our community that lacks bicycle-specific infrastructure. All Kids Bike kindergarten program was a perfect fit to ensure all kids who attend Calderon Elementary will have the opportunity to learn to ride and enjoy a bicycle, regardless if their family can afford one or not. We look forward to seeing these kids develop a strong riding foundation and having fun, while we work toward bringing bicycle-specific infrastructure and amenities to our community. Now we just need to get this program implemented at all the other kindergartens in town!”
Lisa Weyer, executive director of the Strider Education Foundation, expressed appreciation for the partnership with Del Rio Parks Foundation, 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 Dr. Fermin Calderon Elementary, this program will positively impact approximately 90 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 900 students will benefit from this initiative over the next decade.
“Bike riding was very popular in the past but unfortunately it has dwindled down. It is exciting to know that the partnership with Del Rio Parks Foundation and All Kids Bike will provide our kinder students with a wonderful opportunity to learn how to ride a bike! In an age dominated by screens, cycling offers a simple, yet powerful way to nurture both body and mind, preparing students to thrive in all areas of life. We are looking forward to seeing our students learn to bike as well as to seeing the positive impact of these skills in the classroom.”
The Del Rio Parks 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.
