Kindergarteners take off on two wheels at Plymouth Elementary

Kindergarteners at Plymouth Elementary School are strapping on their helmets and learning to ride bikes in gym class through a pilot program called All Kids Bike.

Through All Kids Bike, the school received everything they needed to run the program: helmets, a teacher bike, a storage rack, and a set of adjustable balance bikes with conversion kits for when students are ready to use the pedals. 

Plymouth Elementary kindergartener Finley Overcash appreciated the way they learned to ride by first getting comfortable with a balance bike before moving to a traditional bike. “I like riding with pedals instead of us using training wheels,” she said.

The program includes lessons that build foundational skills—like balance, coordination, steering, and stopping—while keeping students engaged and motivated through fun activities. By the end of the unit, the students were proudly showing off what they learned.

“It’s fun to ride all around the place,” said Akhilan Amirthalingam.

 “I’m so happy and excited that I could pedal,” added Jacob Alexander. 

Gym teacher Christi Rabenda was “pleasantly surprised” by the progress the students made in a short period of time. “The bikes are going great,” she said. “It’s been an amazing experience. I don’t know who’s more excited when they ride, me or them.”

The All Kids Bike program was funded by a Teacher Grant through the Colonial School District Education Foundation.

Click here to check out a video about the All Kids Bike program!