Kindergarteners at Sunland Elementary in Phoenix learn to ride bikes
NEWS

25 Kindergarten Classes Will Learn to Ride through HDR Foundation Grant to All Kids Bike

Kindergartners at Sunland Elementary School and Bush Elementary School in Phoenix learn to ride a bike.
Kindergartners at Sunland Elementary School and Bush Elementary School in Phoenix learn to ride a bike as part of the All Kids Bike program funded by a grant from the HDR Foundation. 

The HDR Foundation announced a $150,000 grant to All Kids Bike that will bring learn-to-ride programs to 25 public schools across the U.S. The grant provides everything the schools need to teach kindergarteners to ride bicycles in their physical education classes.

Each school will receive the equipment and training needed to implement the program, including 24 Strider 14x balance bikes, 24 pedal conversion kits, 24 fully adjustable helmets, a 20-inch instructor bike and a five-year support plan. All Kids Bike is a national program led by the Strider Education Foundation to implement learn-to-ride programs in targeted public schools for free.

“You never forget that moment of elation, accomplishment and independence the first time you learn to ride a bike,” said Rex Fisher, chair of the HDR Foundation Board of Directors. “By teaching kids to ride at an early age, we empower them with a source of joy, exercise and sustainable mobility.”

The schools receiving grants will be chosen based on proximity to HDR offices. The partnership launched last month, with more than 15 Phoenix employees assembling bikes and participating in bike kickoff events at three area schools.

“This learn‐to‐ride program will have an important impact on the safety, confidence and joy of these future bike-riders,” said Aaron Meilleur, HDR’s area manager for Arizona and New Mexico. “As we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of HDR Foundation, we’re excited to roll up our sleeves to support the school-age children in our community.”

HDR employees are working with All Kids Bike staff to select schools for the program in nine additional cities throughout the 2022-2023 school year. The locations include Anchorage, Alaska; Billings, Montana; Honolulu; Omaha, Nebraska; Pensacola, Florida; Pittsburgh; Portland, Oregon; Salt Lake City; and Seattle.

About the HDR Foundation
The HDR Foundation provides grants to qualified organizations that align with HDR’s areas of expertise: education, healthy communities and environmental stewardship. As an employee-funded and employee-driven foundation, preference is given to organizations located in communities in which HDR employees live and work, and those with strong employee involvement. Since its inception, the HDR Foundation has provided more than $6 million in grants to over 250 organizations. 

About HDR 
For over a century, HDR has partnered with clients to shape communities and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Our expertise spans more than 11,000 employees in more than 200 locations around the world — and counting. Our engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services bring an impressive breadth of knowledge to every project. Our optimistic approach to finding innovative solutions defined our past and drives our future.

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