Trailblazers Celebrates 100th School-based Learn to Bike Program in NWA
“This program makes the 100th school in the state of Arkansas to receive this program with assistance from Trailblazers and the Walton Family Foundation,” says Bike Education Program Manager, Anya Bruhin. “We have worked with teachers, administrators, and community advocates to help them understand the positive impact the All Kids Bikes program has. We have more work to do, yet. These 100 schools represent only 18.5% of all schools in Arkansas. Wouldn’t it be amazing if every child in Arkansas had the chance to learn to ride a bike before first grade?”
The All Kids Bike Program is vital because it champions childhood health and development. It ensures that all children have access to bicycles, promoting physical activity, balance, and coordination. This program not only cultivates a love for cycling but also fosters confidence and independence among youngsters, laying the foundation for a healthier lifestyle and a sense of achievement.
Trailblazers with support from the Walton Family Foundation has been helping to place the All Kids Bike program in schools since first piloting in 6 Springdale schools in 2019.
“Today marks a significant milestone as All Kids Bike, in collaboration with Trailblazers and the Walton Family Foundation, celebrates the launch of our Learn-To-Ride Kindergarten PE Program at the 100th school in Arkansas.” Shares Lisa Weyer, executive director of All Kids Bike, “The matching grant initiative from Trailblazers and Walton Family Foundation to help fund the All Kids Bike Program reinforces the transformative power that bike riding brings to children. This program not only impacts physical and mental health, but also instills a sense of freedom, confidence, and joy that will shape the lives of kids throughout Arkansas for years to come.”
Tennie Russell Primary School 1110 Bella Vista Road Bentonville, AR will host a program reveal on December 19, 2023, at 9:00 am. Members of the media are welcome to attend.
About Trailblazers
Trailblazers is a nonprofit formed in 2021 through the merger of NWA Trailblazers, an organization that has developed 300+ miles of multi-use trails, including the OZ Trails network, and BikeNWA, a bicycle advocacy and education-focused organization that has led the region in advocating for active transportation. Our core areas of work include Trail Development and Consulting and Community Outreach and Advocacy. Learn more about TRAILBLAZERS, the nonprofit’s mission, and educational programming at https://wearetrailblazers.org/
About All Kids Bike
All Kids Bike launched in 2018 with a simple mission: to give every child in America the opportunity to learn how to ride a bike in school. Its Kindergarten Learn-to-Ride PE program, which is active in over 1,000 schools across all 50 states, includes everything needed to teach thousands of students at a school for 7-10 years: teacher training and certification; a fleet of 24 bikes, pedal conversion kits, and helmets; an instructional bike for the teacher; 2 rolling metal bike storage racks, and access to a resource portal and live support for the life of the program. With support from Strider Bikes, the All Kids Bike Learn-to-Ride Kindergarten PE Program is on track to teach over one million kids to ride over the 10 year lifespan of the program. In 2023, All Kids Bike added an Inclusive Learn-to-Ride Program to empower middle and high school students and adults with developmental disabilities with the life skill of riding a bicycle. For more information, please visit www.allkidsbike.org.
