HDR Foundation Expands All Kids Bike Program to Empower Kindergarten Students in Brighton, MA
BRIGHTON, MA – May 3, 2024: The HDR Foundation, in partnership with All Kids Bike, is pleased to announce the expansion of the All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Learn-to-Ride Program to Winship Elementary School, a Title 1 school in Brighton. This initiative, made possible by a generous donation from the HDR Foundation, seeks to impart the joy of bike riding and promote essential life skills among young learners.
In a demonstration of commitment to education, healthy communities and environmental stewardship, HDR has contributed $360,000 to All Kids Bike for the 2023-24 school year. This substantial donation will support 40 schools across the United States, specifically in areas where HDR employees live and work. The cumulative support from HDR to All Kids Bike now exceeds $500,000 over the past two school years.
The comprehensive program includes teacher training and certification, a fleet of 24 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. Winship Elementary School celebrated the introduction of the program with a kickoff event alongside HDR.
“Learning to ride a bike at such an early age can open frontiers to adventure and help establish a foundation for a healthy lifestyle,” said Heather Ivester, HDR’s area manager for New England. “The opportunity to partner with All Kids Bike aligns with the career passions and expertise of HDR employees – working each day to build safe, strong, connected and more sustainable communities.”
Lisa Weyer, executive director of the Strider Education Foundation, expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership with HDR, 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 thrilled to be part of this ongoing journey with HDR, creating a ripple effect of positive change in communities nationwide.”
At Winship Elementary School this program will positively impact approximately 48 kindergarten students each year. With a lifespan of 7-10 years for the equipment, it is estimated that up to 480 students will benefit from this initiative over the next decade.
“I am beyond excited to begin teaching my students how to ride a bike,” says Winship PE teacher, Robert Bowen. “Students will learn the joy of riding a bike and growing friendships through this opportunity but most importantly building confidence that will carry on with them for years to come.”
The HDR Foundation 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.