[Niles, MI, May 19, 2025]: All Kids Bike, the national 501(c)(3) nonprofit teaching kindergarten students how to ride bikes in PE class, activated the All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Learn-to-Ride Program at Ballard Elementary School, thanks to a grant from the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI). Yamaha selected Ballard Elementary for the All Kids Bike program as part of the BLU CRU Invitational event held this past weekend at Red Bud MX where young motorcycle riders are afforded hands-on race training from Yamaha racing professionals.
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. Ballard Elementary celebrated the introduction of the program with a kickoff event alongside Yamaha attendees.
“At Yamaha, we believe that introducing children to outdoor recreation at an early age helps build confidence, independence, and a lifelong appreciation for active lifestyles. The All Kids Bike Program aligns with our mission through the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative to support accessible outdoor recreation opportunities for all,” said Steve Nessl, marketing manager, Yamaha Motorsports. “We’re proud to bring this program to Ballard Elementary and help these kindergartners develop essential skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Teaching a child to ride a bike does more than provide transportation, it opens up a world of adventure, freedom, and healthy habits that can last a lifetime.”
Lisa Weyer, executive director of the Strider Education Foundation, expressed appreciation for the partnership with Yamaha, emphasizing the transformative impact of early bike riding education. “We are incredibly honored and grateful to receive this generous donation from Yamaha. Yamaha’s continued commitment to community and youth development perfectly aligns with our mission to ensure every child in America has the opportunity to learn to ride a bike in kindergarten PE class. Their support—this year and in years past—has helped bring the Learn-to-Ride Program to numerous schools across the country. Thanks to Yamaha’s generosity, we are one step closer to building a generation of confident, active, and healthy kids.” At Ballard 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.
“The All Kids Bike Program is a game-changer for our students, and we are deeply thankful to Yamaha for making this possible. Through this program, we can inspire excitement and a sense of adventure, which will benefit our students both inside and outside of school,” stated Ballard Elementary School principal, Jennifer Shabazz.
All Kids Bike and Yamaha are committed to empowering the next generation, one pedal at a time, fostering a brighter, more active future for children throughout the country.
