Yamaha Brings Learn-to-Ride Program to Cranbrook Elementary, Investing in Students’ Health and Future
[Columbus, OH, September 11, 2026]: With a mission to teach every child in America to ride a bike in kindergarten PE class, All Kids Bike, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is bringing its Kindergarten PE Learn-to-Ride Program to Cranbrook Elementary School thanks to a generous grant from Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative.
“Learning to ride a bike is about more than learning to balance on two wheels. It’s about building confidence, independence, and the skills kids can carry with them for a lifetime,” said Lisa Weyer, executive director of the Strider Education Foundation. “Yamaha has a deep-rooted passion for two wheels, from bicycles to motorcycles, and that shared enthusiasm makes this partnership especially meaningful. Together, we’re helping kids discover the freedom, excitement, and lifelong possibilities that begin with their very first ride.”
The ready-to-teach program includes teacher training and certification, comprehensive 8 lesson 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. Cranbrook Elementary School celebrated the introduction of the program with a kickoff event alongside Yamaha attendees.
“At Yamaha, we believe outdoor recreation begins with fundamental skills that open doors to lifelong adventure,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha Motorsports marketing director. “Teaching children to ride a bike builds confidence and connection to outdoor activities that can grow into a lifetime of exploration and responsible recreation. Through the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative, we’re proud to invest in All Kids Bike which helps remove barriers to entry and ensure every child, regardless of their family’s resources, has the opportunity to experience the freedom and joy that comes with mastering two wheels. This aligns perfectly with our mission to enhance outdoor access and create the next generation of responsible outdoor enthusiasts.”
At Cranbrook Elementary School the program is expected to positively impact approximately 100 kindergarten students each year by teaching them how to ride a bike in PE class. With equipment that has an expected lifespan of 7 to 10 years, it is estimated that up to 1,000 students will benefit from this initiative over the next decade.
“We are incredibly grateful to Yamaha for making the All Kids Bike program possible at Cranbrook Elementary School,” said, Maria Grossman, principal of Cranbrook Elementary School. “Learning to ride a bicycle is a milestone that encourages healthy, active lifestyles, and creates lasting memories. This generous gift gives every kindergartener the opportunity to develop a valuable life skill, regardless of their background or access to a bicycle, and we know the impact will extend far beyond our PE classes.”
Yamaha and All Kids Bike share a commitment to help children reach a key developmental milestone while gaining a skill that promotes lifelong fitness, independent transportation, and emotional well-being. Every child deserves the chance to experience the joy of two wheels and this partnership makes that possible.