California schools teach bike riding in PE to boost confidence
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In California, kindergartners at schools like Terra Vista Elementary in Rancho Cucamonga are now learning to ride bikes during physical education classes.
Teachers are using balance bikes, bikes without pedals, to help students develop balance, steering, and stopping skills before introducing traditional bicycles. The All Kids Bike nonprofit is coordinating the program, which has reached almost 2,000 elementary schools nationwide, and connecting schools with funding to cover the cost of equipment and curriculum.
This approach aims to provide bike-riding skills to children who might not otherwise have the opportunity, either because of a lack of adult supervision, limited access to safe spaces, or financial constraints. PE teacher Drew Raney noted that seeing students gain confidence as they learn to glide on the bikes is a transformative experience, pushing them outside their comfort zones. The program integrates well with existing kindergarten PE goals, which focus on movement, following directions, and enjoying physical activity.
Organizers like Lisa Weyer believe learning to ride a bike is a valuable life skill that fosters freedom and independence, similar to learning to swim. Rancho Cucamonga contributed $45,000 to provide bikes and the curriculum for five schools in the area.
