MARYVILLE, TN – September 16, 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 Foothills Elementary School, thanks to a generous donation from John Jessup and James Sanborn of Dream Rides.
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. Foothills Elementary celebrated the introduction of the program with a kickoff event alongside Dream Rides attendees, who had the opportunity to build the bikes for the program beforehand.
“As someone who grew up riding bikes, I know firsthand how much joy and freedom it can bring to a child,” said John Jessup of Dream Rides, who donated the All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Learn-to-Ride Program to Foothills Elementary. “Thanks to the success we’ve had with Dream Rides, I’m in a position to give back to the community that has supported us, and I’m excited to help the next generation experience the same fun and independence that comes with learning to ride.”
Lisa Weyer, executive director of the Strider Education Foundation, expressed appreciation for the partnership with John, James, and Dream Rides, 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 Foothills Elementary, this program will positively impact approximately 160 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 1,600 students will benefit from this initiative over the next decade.
“At Foothills, we love teaching our kids about lifelong physical fitness and activities they can enjoy throughout their lives. Through this program, we will be able to do just that and give our kids the chance to learn an amazing skill. We are very blessed to have received this opportunity from Dream Rides, and we believe it will be an incredible experience for our students,” said Tyler Robinson, PE Teacher at Foothills Elementary.
The Dream Rides team 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.
