Thanks to the efforts of a determined PE coach, Rover Elementary School’s kindergarteners are now learning to ride bikes—a skill many never had the chance to develop before.
Lance Dunlop, a physical education teacher, discovered All Kids Bike, a national program run by the Strider Education Foundation, and knew it would benefit his students. Thanks to his persistence, the school recently received 58 balance bikes for its kindergarten class.
Launched in 2018, All Kids Bike aims to teach every kindergartener in the U.S. how to ride a bike during PE class. Since its school rollout in 2020, the program has reached over 230,000 kids in 260 schools across 38 states. Today, it operates in nearly 1,700 schools, with 160,000 children currently learning.
A Life-Changing Surprise for Students
Dunlop first introduced the bikes in November 2024, before Rover Elementary officially joined the program. He secured donated bikes from another school and surprised his students just before winter break.
“The kids just ate it up,” Dunlop said. “After two and a half weeks, they were so excited.”
At Rover Elementary, 75-80% of kindergarteners had never ridden a bike before. Many were initially nervous about the pedal-free balance bikes, which help children learn steering and balance before transitioning to traditional bikes.
More Than Just Biking—Building Confidence & Health
Dunlop has already seen progress in his students. He hopes the program will encourage active lifestyles and reduce screen time.
“Kids today care more about their phones and tablets than going outside,” he said.
Nichole Buchholz, All Kids Bike’s PR manager, calls the bikes a child’s “first vehicle,” offering freedom and confidence.
“Teachers tell us how quickly kids go from being scared to mastering balance,” she said.
Growing Reach in Arizona & Nationwide
Currently, 34 Arizona schools participate, with roughly 3,400 kids learning annually. Some schools find the program on their own, while others are selected by donors like the HDR Foundation, which supports education and healthy communities.
With over 15 corporate sponsors, the program provides durable bikes featuring airless tires—making maintenance easy for teachers.
Buchholz says their five-year goal is to expand to 5,000 schools, ensuring even more children experience the joy of riding.
“We want every kid in America to have this opportunity,” she said.
