Last summer, Brian Klock, owner of Klock Werks in Mitchell, contacted the Hanson School District with an exciting opportunity. Klock wanted to incorporate Strider Bikes into the kindergarten class’s physical education curriculum.
Strider Bikes has a nonprofit organization called All Kids Bike. This foundation distributes bikes, helmets, and curriculum to schools. The strider bikes have a slick 2-in-1 balance conversion which makes training on a bike easier. The kindergarten class will start with no pedals and focus on balancing and steering the bike. When students have proven that they can balance, the pedals can be added.
Klock Werks’ initial interest in the program sparked from one of their employees, Alan Bainbridge. Several years ago, Bainbridge was looking for a Strider Bike for his son, David. Klock reached out to Ryan McFarland, the owner of Strider Bikes, and he so generously donated one to the Bainbridge family. This kind gesture had an everlasting impact on Bainbridge.
“As my life progressed, and I was able to give back, the first thing that came to mind was getting the All Kids Bike program started at Gertie Belle Rogers Elementary,” stated Bainbridge.
Bainbridge and his wife, Jennifer, became the sponsor of Gertie Bell Rogers School and became ecstatic with the results. The smiles seen on the children’s faces made it evident that it was making a difference.
This inspired Klock Werks to join in on efforts. A total of six schools in the area have been impacted: in Mitchell: Gertie Belle Rogers, Longfellow, LB Williams, Mitchell Christian and John Paul II; and Ethan Elementary School.
Efforts to fundraise for Hanson are already underway. The goal is to reach $5,000 supplying the school with 20 bikes, helmets, and the curriculum. So far, an astounding $3,450 has been fundraised. This program is sustainable for at least five years and will impact many children. However, Klock stated that they still need everyone’s help.
“Getting kids on bikes early is a key to healthy living, better community, and the future of our industry. For minimal dollars expended, the return on the investment per child is monumental. I would like each parent, grandparent, uncle, aunt, neighbor, and friend to consider giving $10 or more. I would love for the entire community to participate so when these excited young folks tell their story, each person feels the connection, confidence, and pride it can create in these kids. Why have one or two donors pay the way, when you can garner the support and cohesiveness of an entire city,” commented Klock.
To donate to this great cause visit, https://support.allkidsbike.org/klock-werks-for-hanson-elementary.
Words cannot express how much joy these bikes will bring the kindergarten class.
Thank you to the Klock Werks’ team for your outstanding efforts!