COLUMBIA, SC, March 21, 2024 – The HDR Foundation, in partnership with All Kids Bike, is pleased to announce the expansion of the All Kids Bike Learn-to-Ride Kindergarten PE Program to John P. Thomas Elementary in Columbia, South Carolina. 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. John P. Thomas Elementary celebrated the program’s introduction with a kickoff event with Gov. Henry McMaster and HDR.
“Learning to ride a bike at such an early age can open doors to adventure and help establish a foundation for a healthy lifestyle,” said Jennifer Mustar, HDR’s South Carolina area manager. “The opportunity to partner with All Kids Bike aligns with the career passions and expertise of HDR employees – working each day to build safe, strong, connected and more sustainable communities.”
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 John P. Thomas, this program will positively impact approximately 50 kindergarten students each year. With a lifespan of 7-10 years for the equipment, it is estimated that up to 500 students will benefit from this initiative over the next decade.
“The All Kids Bike Program, made possible by the HDR Foundation, will assist us in our endeavor to ensure students are constantly working on a healthy lifestyle with encouraging our students to be physically active,” shared Selina Latimore, principal of John P. Thomas Elementary. “After the pandemic, we noticed a trend of our students becoming more sedentary and becoming less active with the increased use of electronic devices. This program will bring about the joy of learning to ride a bike that many in our area have not had the opportunity to have and will increase the interest of our students to enjoy the outdoors and all it has to offer.”
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.
