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Riders for Striders to Fund Inclusive Learn-to-Ride Bike Program for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

INDIANAPOLIS – December 11, 2023: All Kids Bike, the national nonprofit under the Strider Education Foundation, is activating their new Inclusive Learn-to-Ride bike program at GiGi’s Playhouse, thanks to a generous donation from Riders for Striders, a motorcycle charity ride focused on improving the lives of children and individuals in Indiana through the joy of being on two wheels. 

Riders for Striders 10th Annual Adventure Motorcycle charity ride in the Columbus, Indiana raised $5,000 to purchase the Inclusive Learn-to-Ride Program for GiGi’s Playhouse, a Down syndrome achievement center on a mission to change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all. 

Tyler Klassen, founder of Riders for Striders shared, “In the 10th year of Riders for Striders, we are proud to be able to sponsor Gigi’s Playhouse – Indianapolis with an All Kids Bike Inclusive Learn-to-Ride Program. We have worked with Gigi’s – Indy for many years with Strider Bike camps. Now, thanks to our generous ride attendees, we are able to take it up a notch and donate an All Kids Bike program tailored to the Playhouse’s needs.” 
 
“We are so excited to be able to bring this program to the playhouse!” Liz Richards, Executive Director of GiGi’s Playhouse in Indianapolis stated.  “We love that our friends now have the opportunity to learn to ride in a safe environment before they stride off on their own.” 

Down syndrome is the largest chromosomal disability in our country and yet, it is the least funded. GiGi’s Playhouse serves individuals of all ages, from infancy to adulthood, free of charge. The Inclusive Learn-to-Ride Program will supplement the Playhouse’s foundational educational programs which include social skill development, career development, and supplemental programs based on physical and occupational therapy methods aimed at developing fine and gross motor skills.  

Lisa Weyer, executive director of the Strider Education Foundation, is excited about the new roll out of the Inclusive Learn-to-Ride Program. “This program, powered by an effective online curriculum and 20x bikes, which transition from balance to pedal conversion, is set to revolutionize the way we approach inclusivity in physical activity and achieve health equity.” 

Riders for Striders and All Kids Bike are committed to enriching the lives of all individuals 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.