In a heartening development for Houston's educational and physical fitness landscape, Sylvan R. Rodriguez, Jr. Elementary School is setting wheels in motion to teach every kindergarten student the invaluable skill of riding a bike. This initiative has been made possible through a significant contribution from the HDR Foundation to the All Kids Bike Learn-To-Ride Kindergarten PE Program.

The program, orchestrated by the national nonprofit All Kids Bike, aims to integrate bike riding into the physical education curriculum. It promises not only to equip students with bikes but also to enhance their overall educational experience by fostering physical and mental well-being from an early age. The comprehensive setup provided to Sylvan R. Rodriguez includes 24 bikes, pedal conversion kits, helmets, an instructional bike for teachers, two rolling storage racks, and access to a dedicated resource portal that offers ongoing support.

  

The launch was celebrated with a special event at the school, where HDR staff participated in assembling the bikes, adding a personal touch to their support. Dave Weston, HDR’s area manager for the Texas Gulf and Louisiana, emphasized the broader benefits of the initiative, stating, "Only one in four children will get on a bike in the course of a year, so learning this skill at such a young age is a tremendous opportunity. HDR is grateful to be part of a program that promotes healthy habits and builds great memories for a lifetime.”

The transformative impact of early bike riding education extends beyond physical health, as Lisa Weyer, executive director of the Strider Education Foundation, pointed out. "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," she said. 

At Sylvan R. Rodriguez, Jr. Elementary, the program is set to enrich the lives of approximately 150 kindergarten students annually. With the equipment expected to last 7-10 years, an estimated 1,500 students will benefit over the next decade. Principal Parisa Behzadi expressed enthusiasm about the broader implications of the initiative: "This bike donation from HDR is cultivating a well-rounded learning experience so that all of our global leaders have access to meaningful opportunities."

This partnership between HDR, All Kids Bike, and Sylvan R. Rodriguez, Jr. Elementary School exemplifies a commitment to nurturing healthier, more engaged young citizens. Through the joy of bike riding, these young learners are not just developing a fun skill—they're also embarking on a journey toward becoming well-rounded global leaders. As this program rolls out, it sets a hopeful precedent for similar initiatives across Houston and beyond, pedaling towards a future where education and physical fitness go hand in hand.

For more info, visit www.allkidsbike.org or  https://www.hdrinc.com/about-us/hdr-foundation.