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Shenendehowa CSD, the Shenendehowa Education Foundation, Shredders MTB, and CDPHP Launch “Bikes in School” Initiative to Bring Cycling Education to Students

Leaders from the Shenendehowa Central School District (CSD), the Shenendehowa Education Foundation, Shredders MTB, and CDPHP gathered today at the Shen Atrea Early Learning Center to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) officially launching the “Bikes in School” initiative. Learn more at https://shreddersmtb.org/bikes-in-schools-shen.

The campaign introduces a specialized cycling, safety, and physical education curriculum into PE classes, starting first at the Shen Atrea Early Learning Center for kindergarteners. The program launched with a lead gift from CDPHP, recognized as the founding sponsor for its instrumental support.

“The student experience is central to our work at Shenendehowa,” said Dr. Cecily Wilson-Turner, Superintendent of Schools, Shenendehowa CSD. “We are excited to partner with the Shenendehowa Education Foundation, Shredders MTB, and CDPHP to provide a foundational opportunity for all kindergarten students at Atrea. The Bikes in School initiative aligns directly with our focus on play-based learning, allowing our students to engage physically while mastering a lifelong skill. We thank our Athletic Director and Principal for bringing this program forward, and we are grateful to our Foundation and community partners for championing the fundraising efforts needed to bring it to life.”

Designed specifically for early childhood motor development, balance bikes allow young learners to practice steering, stopping, and core balancing in a controlled, supportive environment before progressing to pedal bikes.

“We are always exploring ways to enhance our district’s physical education offerings,” said Lucas LaBarre, Director of Athletics and Physical Education for Shen. “Bringing the Bikes in School program to our kindergarten physical education classes marks an exciting milestone. Learning to ride builds confidence, independence, and active habits that last a lifetime. We are deeply grateful to District Leadership, the Shenendehowa Education Foundation, Shredders MTB, and CDPHP for their shared commitment to our youth as we work to lay a strong foundation for our youngest learners.”

The program’s educational framework and technical support are supplied directly by Shredders MTB, an organization focused on expanding youth cycling access.

“Our mission at Shredders MTB is to empower youth through cycling,” said Anna Laloë, Ph.D., Executive Director of Shredders MTB. “Bringing this programming directly into public schools removes barriers so that every child has the chance to learn how to ride. Working alongside Shenendehowa CSD and the Shenendehowa Education Foundation allows us to establish a structured, scalable safety curriculum that turns fun into a lifelong skill.”

The launch was made possible through seed funding provided by CDPHP to secure the initial fleet of specialized youth balance bikes and safety gear.

“When we learned about the vision to bring the Shredders’ Bikes in School Program to the Atrea Early Learning Center, we immediately saw the potential impact,” said Kathy Leyden, Vice President of Brand and Community Engagement at CDPHP. “Learning to ride a bike helps children build confidence, stay active, and develop healthy habits they can carry with them for decades. We are proud to serve as a founding donor bringing this program to Shenendehowa.”

Today’s MOU signing also marks the launch of a broader community fundraising campaign led by the Shenendehowa Education Foundation to sustain equipment maintenance and expand bike fleets across additional cohorts.

“Everyone we speak with shares our enthusiasm for bringing bikes directly into our schools,” said Robert Pressly, Co-Chair of the Shenendehowa Education Foundation. “Beyond teaching safety and enhancing physical fitness, this program reflects the heart of our foundation’s mission: funding innovative learning opportunities that nurture student well-being and foster strong community partnerships. We are proud to help launch an initiative that directly enriches our students’ day-to-day educational experience.”

Upon meeting fundraising goals, the Bikes in School curriculum is planned to roll out during physical education periods at Atrea Early Learning Center later this 26-’27’ school year, with district and foundation leaders evaluating options to scale the model across additional grade levels.