Motorsports Racing Legend Ryan Villopoto Joins Yamaha to Kick Off New Bike Riding Program
at Edwards Elementary
[Las Vegas, NV, January 22, 2025]: 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 Elbert Edwards Elementary School, thanks to a Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI) grant from Yamaha Motor Corp., USA.
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. Elbert Edwards Elementary School celebrated the introduction of the program with a kickoff event alongside Yamaha attendees, including legendary motocross and supercross racer Ryan Villopoto.
“Learning to ride a bike was my first step to racing a motorcycle. Those basis skills and confidence are something every kid should experience, but unfortunately today fewer kids are learning to ride on their own,” said Villopoto, ambassador for Yamaha Motorsports, USA. “It’s fun to see the kids the first time they learn to balance the bike. The All Kids Bike program lets them learn and practice at school. It is a fantastic program, and it was great to spend time with the kids, seeing them get excited and take their first rides.”
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. “Learning to ride a bike is a transformative experience that builds confidence, independence, and lifelong skills. At All Kids Bike, we see this as the first step in a journey that can lead to a lifelong love of two wheels—whether it’s a bicycle or a motorcycle. Yamaha’s commitment to fostering this passion is invaluable, as they help inspire future riders while promoting an active and adventurous lifestyle.” At Elbert Edwards Elementary School, this program will positively impact approximately 73 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 730 students will benefit from this initiative over the next decade.
“Thanks to the generosity of Yamaha, our students now have the chance to experience the joy and freedom of learning to ride a bike through the All Kids Bike Program. This initiative teaches important life lessons about perseverance, balance, and teamwork,” stated Edwards Elementary Principal, Emily Petosa.
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.
