VICKSBURG, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Inspired by the success of the All Kids Bike Kindergarten Physical Education program in Vicksburg elementary schools, Climax-Scotts and Schoolcraft school districts are following suit.
According to a news release from Bike Friendly Kalamazoo, the two districts are getting some funding from the Vicksburg Foundation to bring the program to their schools as well.
“We are thrilled to be bringing the program to Climax-Scotts,” said Superintendent Doug Newington. “This will especially benefit many of our students and their families who may be struggling during these unusual times. It would be great to provide the opportunity for all of our kindergarteners to learn to ride a bike. It will benefit them for the rest of their lives.”
Schoolcraft Superintendent Rick Frens agrees. “All Kids Bike is an incredible way to teach our students a life-long healthy hobby at an early age. Riding a bike is a great way to stay active and enjoy being outside, and our kids need healthy habits more than ever. Bike riding is also a fun family activity.”
In the program, students learn about balance, coordination, perseverance, bike riding and safety, says Vicksburg PE teacher Sawer Duncan who was one of the first to implement the program in Michigan, in 2021. Duncan says, “While riding a bike seems like a skill that everyone learns, that is not always the case. As Bike Friendly Kalamazoo’s Education Chair, my goal is to spread this program to area elementary schools so that every student in greater Kalamazoo knows how to ride a bike safely from a young age.”
The innovative program includes an eight lesson, nationally tested curriculum, PE teacher certification, 25 bikes with pedal conversion kits, helmets along with support from the Strider Education Foundation for five years.
Information about Bike Friendly Kalamazoo’s All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Program will be updated throughout the year at http://www.bikefriendlykalamazoo.org.
Bike Friendly Kalamazoo (BFK) is a 501c3 Michigan nonprofit organization whose mission is to help make the greater community even more bicycle friendly.
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