"Pilson Powersports donates two complete Learn-To-Ride Programs, including Strider Learn-To-Ride Bikes, helmets, and curriculum to Arland D Williams Jr and Riddle Elementary School.
This generous donation will help approximately 2,350 kindergarten students learn to ride over the next ten years.
The Strider Bikes were delivered to the kindergarten physical education class at Arland D Williams Jr and Riddle Elementary School and will be incorporated into their curriculum during the 2022-2023 school year.
“Teaching kids to ride bikes can open the door to a whole new world. Learning to ride builds independence, gets them outside, improves their physical and mental health plus it can be enjoyed together as a family” says Jamie Pilson, Owner Pilson Powersports. “Supporting this program was a no brainer and aligned perfectly with our purpose to make a positive impact on our teams, customers and communities, this one definitely hits all 3. We believe this can transform kids’ lives and are excited to see the progress and grow the program”.
All Kids Bike is a national movement on a mission to teach every child in America how to ride a bike in kindergarten PE class. Launched in 2017, 650 schools in all 50 states are actively running the All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Program.
“We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to bring the All Kids Bike program to our kindergarten students. All Kids Bike is unlike any other program that Mattoon youth have ever had the opportunity to participate in. Teaching students’ life-long activities is a huge priority at the elementary level and this program will be a wonderful new addition and will help us meet that goal. Through this partnership, we now have the chance to share and teach a fun and exciting lifelong activity that will benefit the Mattoon community for years to come” says Karen Brown, Physical Education Specialist, Riddle Elementary.
Chad Arnold, Principle at Riddle Elementary School agrees saying, “I am excited about the partnership as it will help students engage in learning and the enjoyment of exercise beyond the school walls. In many cases, families can’t provide the equipment and time that kids need to learn to ride a bicycle. Through All Kids Bike we can ensure that ALL students can learn to ride a bike while meeting our classroom goals and objectives.”
(Photo Credit goes to the JG-TC and Clay Jackson)