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Imagine a world where every child can ride a bike by the time they leave kindergarten. It’s more than just a fun skill; it’s about building confidence, promoting healthy lifestyles, and creating lasting memories. This vision is becoming a reality at Temecula Valley Charter School thanks to the All Kids Bike initiative, which recently expanded its reach with generous support from the HDR Foundation. This program aims to ensure that every kindergartener learns to ride a bike during their physical education classes, setting them on a path to active living.
Transforming lives through cycling education
On May 12, 2025, the HDR Foundation announced its partnership with All Kids Bike to bring a comprehensive learn-to-ride program to Winchester, California. The foundation’s commitment is reflected in its impressive $324,000 donation for the 2024-25 school year, which will benefit 36 schools across the United States. This initiative isn’t just about bikes; it’s about nurturing healthier communities and fostering environmental stewardship. I still remember the thrill of riding my first bike—it’s a rite of passage for many kids, and now more will have that chance.
The heart of the program
The All Kids Bike program provides all the essentials for teaching young children how to ride. This includes teacher training and certification, a complete curriculum filled with engaging lesson plans, games, and activities. Each school receives a fleet of 24 Strider balance-to-pedal bikes, pedal conversion kits, adjustable helmets, and a dedicated instructor bike. The resources don’t stop there; schools also gain access to a support portal with live assistance throughout the program’s lifespan. Can you imagine the excitement in the air during the kickoff event at Temecula Valley Charter School? With HDR representatives helping to assemble the bikes, it was a true community effort.
A lasting impact
As Anna Lantin, HDR’s Southern California Area Operations Manager, put it, “By funding All Kids Bike, HDR is helping children discover the joy of cycling.” This initiative is projected to positively impact approximately 75 kindergarten students annually, with an estimated 750 children benefiting from the program over the next decade. That’s a significant number of young riders who will gain a skill that promotes physical fitness and mental well-being. It’s not just about learning to ride; it’s about instilling a sense of confidence that can translate into various aspects of life.
Community and education working together
Dr. Charity Plaxton-Hennings, the superintendent of Temecula Valley Charter School, expressed gratitude for the HDR Foundation’s generous donation, highlighting how this program will provide students with a fun way to engage in physical activity. She noted that it helps build self-esteem and fosters a passion for health and fitness early on. This collaboration demonstrates the power of community engagement in education, proving that when organizations come together with a shared vision, they can create meaningful change.
About All Kids Bike
The All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Learn-to-Ride Program, launched in 2018, has a straightforward mission: to ensure that every child in America learns to ride a bike in school. With programs active in over 1,600 schools across all 50 states, they are teaching more than 160,000 kids each year. Just think about that for a moment—over 1 million kids have learned this vital skill through the programs already in place! It’s a movement that’s gaining momentum, and it’s exciting to witness.
Looking ahead
As we move forward, the partnership between All Kids Bike and the HDR Foundation stands as a beacon of hope for many communities. The impact of early cycling education extends far beyond just physical activity; it cultivates resilience, teamwork, and a lifelong love for the outdoors. Personally, I believe that initiatives like this can change lives in profound ways. Who knows? The next generation of cyclists, perhaps even future Olympians or tour champions, might just be riding their first bikes in a kindergarten classroom thanks to programs like this. Let’s keep pedaling forward!