South Side Academy seeks donations for bike program

South Side Academy is seeking donations for its kindergarten biking program. Children could soon be riding bikes in their physical-education classes, but they need to raise the funds.

All Kids Bike, a national program that seeks to teach children in America how to ride a bike, is working to bring the physical-education program to the Youngstown charter school.

South Side Academy started the initiative late last year. If successful, the program would benefit approximately 100 students.

South Side Academy is a K-8 charter school with 191 students, and located at 1400 Oak Hill Ave. on Youngstown’s South Side.

South Side Academy Dean of Students Kristine Hunchuck said the bicycles would be used onsite (indoors and outdoors) and at Irma Davis Park, which is adjacent to the school. Bicycles would be housed at the school.

All Kids Bike equips schools with the materials they need to teach children how to ride; teacher training and certification, a structured eight-lesson curriculum, a fleet of Strider® 14x Bikes, pedal-conversion kits, fully-adjustable helmets, and a five-year support plan.

Launched in March 2018, there are 343 schools in 42 states with All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Programs.

“Bike-riding has many mental health benefits that would be a positive addition to the lives of our students. Riding a bike can help to increase a child’s self-esteem and aide in goal-setting behaviors,” said Hunchuck.

“One of the best ways to get kids active is to get them excited about bicycles,” said All Kids Bike board member Ryan McFarland, “It’s a skill that is going to serve them in life.”

For more information, call 330-774-5562 or email khunchuck@southsideedu.org. Donations are tax deductible. South Side Academy is also interested in local program partners.