FRENCH CREEK – Kindergartners at French Creek Elementary may soon be riding bikes in their PE classes.
All Kids Bike is a national program on a mission to teach every child in America how to ride a bike. They are currently working to bring the All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Program to French Creek Elementary. The program equips schools with everything they need to teach children how to ride: teacher training and certification, a structured eight-lesson curriculum, a fleet of Strider 14x Bikes, Pedal Conversion Kits, fully-adjustable helmets, and a five-year support plan.
Launched in March 2018, there are already 288 schools in 39 states with All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Programs.
Classroom Teacher Mandi Neely applied for the program on behalf of French Creek Elementary, stating: “French Creek Elementary knows that the benefits of learning to ride a bike are countless and aligns itself with the All Kids Bike message. Not only does it improve confidence, core, and leg strength, but it increases bilateral coordination and balance. Learning how to ride a bike is truly the best of both worlds: Not only does it allow for students to have a sense of pride through learning, but it encourages physical fitness while strengthening their vestibular systems!”
“Research shows that strong vestibular muscles are key in helping students remain focused and thereby increases their time on task,” Neely added. “Due to the loss of learning caused by school closures amidst the pandemic, it has never been more important to maximize our instructional time in the classroom.”
The Kindergarten PE Program is designed for children of all abilities and hopes to instill healthy habits at a young age.
“One of the best ways to get kids active is to get them excited about bicycles,” says All Kids Bike board member Ryan McFarland. “It’s a skill that is going to serve them in life.”
To learn more about the program or make a donation, please visit https://support.allkidsbike.org/french-creek-elementary.
About Strider Education Foundation and All Kids Bike
All Kids Bike is a national movement led by the Strider Education Foundation to place Kindergarten PE Learn-To-Ride Programs into public schools for free, using donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations. The Strider Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, was formed in 2017.
The Strider Education Foundation believes that learning to ride can help everyone lead a happier and healthier life. Through the development of a proven Learn-To-Ride curriculum and donations of the world’s most advanced training bikes, the nonprofit organization makes riding available, safe, easy, and fun for everyone.
