Governor Inslee Joins HDR Foundation to Bring Kindergarten Bike Program to 3 Title 1 Elementary Schools
Washington State Governor Jay Inslee to Celebrate Kids Bike Initiative
(Seattle, WA – 1/24/2023): The All Kids Bike Kindergarten Learn-to-Ride Program is a 24-fleet of bikes, pedal conversion kits, helmets, one teacher instruction bike, and certified curriculum teacher training, which is everything needed to teach kids how to progress from balance to riding a bike in 8 lessons in three Washington State Elementary Schools; Hawthorne Elementary in Seattle, Regal Elementary in Spokane, and Emerson Elementary in Hoquiam. Funding for this program was graciously made by HDR Foundation, who focuses their efforts on supporting education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship.
“We are so grateful to be able to support AKB’s mission and contribute to building healthy communities where we live and work.” Said Hannah Baumbach, Project Accountant with HDR. “Teaching kids how to bike early on creates opportunity and has the enormous potential to positively impact the individual, the community, and the natural environment. Going forward, we hope to see similar programs spread throughout Washington schools to keep our kids happy and active.”
Lisa Weyer, Executive Director of the Strider Education Foundation explains, “The ability to ride a bike develops physical and mental well-being and instills confidence which can lead to better focus in the classroom. Kindergarten is the perfect age to teach kids to ride a bike focusing on gross motor skills, balance, and coordination. By teaching bike riding at the entry-level in a public school system, we are providing the knowledge and a positive foundation of a lifelong skill.”
The program reveal for all three schools was celebrated at Hawthorne, where donor representatives were gathered alongside Governor Jay Inslee, Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones, and school representatives for the bike delivery to a very excited group of kindergartners! The students were surprised with the bike reveal and were then able to take the new bikes for a spin. This event serves to represent a multi-school gift in which HDR provided a donation of $150,000 to All Kids Bike, designating $18,000 to 3 schools in Washington State, where HDR employees live and work.
At Hawthorne, Regal, and Emerson, this program will teach approximately 246 kindergarten students how to ride a bike on an annual basis. With the equipment lifespan of 7-10 years, this will impact up to 2,460 kids over the next decade.
“The gift from HDR is more than just “bikes” it is a gift that provides equity and access for all current and future Hawthorne kindergartners. Our students will have the opportunity to build and enhance their fine and gross motor skills, learn about bike safety, how to ride a bike, and the benefits of cycling; building their knowledge and skills in physical education! Thank you HDR we hope to partner in the future!” Ms. Flavors, Assistant Principal at Hawthorne Elementary.
About Strider® Education Foundation and All Kids Bike
All Kids Bike is a national movement led by the Strider Education Foundation, which is a 501(c)3 organization formed in 2017. The All Kids Bike Learn to Ride Program was launched in 2018 and is currently actively running in over 800 schools in all 50 states.
About HDR
For over a century, HDR has partnered with clients to shape communities and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Our expertise spans more than 11,000 employees in more than 200 locations around the world – and counting. Our engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services bring an impressive breadth of knowledge to every project. Our optimistic approach to finding innovative solutions defined our past and drives our future. For more information, please visit www.hdrinc.com.
About the HDR Foundation
The HDR Foundation provides grants to qualified organizations that align with HDR’s areas of expertise: education, healthy communities and environmental stewardship. Established in 2012 as an employee-funded and employee-driven foundation, we grant to organizations located in communities where HDR employees live and work. We give preference to organizations that demonstrate employee support and involvement. Since its inception, the HDR Foundation has provided over $6 million in grants to over 250 organizations. You can learn more at https://www.hdrinc.com/about-us/hdr-foundation.