Bend kindergarteners learn to ride through new ‘All Kids Bike’ program
Jillian Fortner
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Brand new bikes were unveiled at R.E. Jewell Elementary in southeast Bend Thursday afternoon, kicking off a new program for kindergarteners.
The school introduced its All Kids Bike program. It’s a national initiative that makes learning to ride part of P.E. class.
Funded by a $9,000 donation from Cascade Natural Gas and the MDU Resources Foundation, the program includes training, an eight-lesson curriculum, 24 Strider bikes with helmets, and storage racks.
After a short presentation, students hopped on their new Strider bikes for their first ride.
“They were super excited,” said Don Moore, regional director for Cascade Natural Gas. “They’re going to learn how to ride here in the gym then eventually put some pedals on and have some fun together.”
All Kids Bike gives hundreds of thousands of children each year the chance to learn a life-changing skill that supports physical development, boosts mental health, and builds confidence.