Missoula, renowned for its bike-friendly atmosphere, recently witnessed a heartwarming initiative aimed at fostering cycling among young students. Chief Charlo Elementary School became the fortunate recipient of a generous bike donation, addressing the need for accessible cycling education and opportunities for children in the community.
Thanks to the All Kids Bike Program, Scheels, a prominent sporting goods retailer, stepped forward to equip Chief Charlo Elementary School’s physical education department with a brand-new fleet of bikes. This contribution is set to make a significant impact on students who may lack the resources to learn or practice bike riding outside of school.
Kalli Allen, the Store Leader at Scheels, highlighted the motivation behind this donation, stating, “We did kind of a questionnaire at Scheels a few months back, we did a vote, and Chief Charlo got the vote.” This local initiative reflects Scheels’ commitment to giving back to the community and supporting children’s development. Allen further elaborated on the program’s vision: “We’re excited we hope to be able to do this one school a year going forward but just to be able to give these bikes to them and if they’re not able to do this at home and ride bikes at home at least they get to do it here at school.” This statement underscores the program’s goal of bridging opportunity gaps and ensuring all children have access to cycling experiences.
Diego Hammett, the PE teacher at Chief Charlo Elementary, expressed his enthusiasm for the donation and the opportunities it unlocks for his students. “Here with me, they’ll be able to work… let’s say I do a two or three-week unit on it so that’s two to three weeks that they get on a bike,” Hammett explained. He emphasized the crucial role the school program plays in providing consistent learning time, “they get more comfortable and they start learning how to ride a bike compared to the parent who might not have the time all the time so that I think is the advantage of this program.” The structured environment at school, facilitated by Scheels Bikes, provides a valuable platform for children to develop cycling skills.
Hammett further elaborated on the broader impact of learning to ride, connecting it to a sense of independence and exploration. “I think a bike is kind of like freedom, you get on a bike you can go anywhere, you know with the permission of your parents,” he noted. Beyond the physical activity, cycling introduces children to a new way to engage with their surroundings. “But you’re riding around outside you’re having fun, and if you teach them the proper technique of riding a bike in the city or on the streets it enhances it even more so they’re safe,” Hammett added, highlighting the importance of safety education alongside skill-building.
For those interested in learning more about the All Kids Bike Program and how to apply, additional details are available at https://allkidsbike.org/school-application/. This initiative by Scheels and the All Kids Bike Program serves as a testament to the power of community partnerships in promoting youth development and healthy lifestyles through cycling, ensuring that more kids in Missoula can experience the joy and freedom of riding bikes.
