CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Every child should have an opportunity to learn how to ride a bike: That’s the intent of a program that — with the help of NASCAR — has been sweeping through Chicago Public Schools during 2023, one that made its latest stop on the city’s Near North Side on Monday.
Inside Ogden Elementary, physical education teacher Chris Chantry gave a quick bike tutorial for his class of kindergarten students.
“First of all, there’s a kickstand right here,” he said.
Chantry also pointed out to them that there is something a little different about the bikes they’ll be using: no pedals.
“These bikes don’t have pedals,” Chantry said. “After a couple of weeks, we’ll put the pedals on.”
The pedals will go on these specialized Strider Balance Bikes once each child is ready to move on to the next phase of a proven curriculum contained in the All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Program. The bikes and program have been supplied by the NASCAR Foundation and the Chicago Street Race.
Ogden Elementary was the fifth Chicago Public Schools institution to receive the program. Thanks in part to a $48,000 donation from the Chicago Street Race and the NASCAR Foundation, eight CPS schools will participate in the All Kids Bike program. All of this comes at no cost to the schools or the parents.
Following his quick tutorial, Chantry had an important question for his students:
“How many of you have a bike at home?”
Children who didn’t have any bikes at home were allowed to take the first pick of about a dozen available — in line with the intended purpose of the program.
After everyone fastened their helmets and went through a short safety lesson, Chantry let out a joyful, “follow me” — and they were off.
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram