HARRISBURG, NC – May 20, 2024: All Kids Bike, the national nonprofit teaching kindergarten students how to ride bikes in PE class, is activating their All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Learn-to-Ride Program at Hickory Ridge Elementary School, thanks to a generous donation from Trey Hinton, Detective with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and All Kids Bike National Ambassador.
The comprehensive program includes teacher training and certification, a fleet of 24 balance-to-pedal conversion 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. Hickory Ridge Elementary School celebrated the introduction of the program with a kickoff event alongside Trey Hinton. Mr. Hinton and school representatives built the bikes together before the reveal.
Trey Hinton hopes the children learn not only how to ride a bike, but also the lifelong lessons that come along with the experience. “In my early years, riding bikes turned from fun and an opportunity to hang out, to progressing skills, to becoming sponsored, and appearing in magazines and videos. What my friends, ‘The Capital Crew,’ and I later realized was that the hard work we put into learning new tricks and a desire to be better tomorrow would transfer into our adult lives, career paths, and families. I’m truly excited for these kids to have the opportunity to learn and gain the values and determination I experienced through bike-riding.”
Lisa Weyer, Executive Director of the Strider Education Foundation, expressed gratitude for the partnership with Trey Hinton 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 so appreciative of this partnership with Mr. Hinton.”
At Hickory Ridge Elementary, this program will positively impact approximately 150 kindergarten students each year. With a lifespan of 7-10 years for the equipment, it is estimated that up to 1,500 students will benefit from this initiative over the next decade.
“On behalf of everyone at Hickory Ridge Elementary School, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to Mr. Hinton and his generous donation of the All Kids Bike program. His support means the world to us, and we are truly excited to kick off this program. Thanks to his kindness, our students will have the opportunity to learn a skill that will stay with them for life. Riding a bike not only promotes physical activity but also fosters a sense of independence and confidence in our young learners. Mr. Hinton’s contribution will undoubtedly make a lasting impact on their lives, and we cannot thank him enough for his thoughtfulness and generosity,” said PE Teacher Therese Mauldin.
Trey Hinton 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.
