Fourth Graders at Longfellow Elementary Receive Free Bikes Through Cooperative Effort of City, County, Schools and Non-Profit Agencies
Published: 5/13/2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 13, 2024
Contact:
Phil Pitchford
Public Information Officer
951-826-5975
Fourth Graders at Longfellow Elementary Receive Free Bikes Through Cooperative Effort of City, County, Schools and Non-Profit Agencies
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – More than 100 fourth graders at Longfellow Elementary School in the city’s Eastside neighborhood received free bicycles and bike helmets through a cooperative effort involving the City of Riverside and several community partners.
The bikes were distributed Saturday morning at the school. Young people also benefitted from a safety demonstration from the California Highway Patrol.
“Bikes are a great way for young people to have fun and get exercise,” Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said. “I’m thankful that we have so many community partners who are willing to step up for kids and that the city is committed to ensuring they have safe routes to ride”
The City partnered with the Riverside Community Health Foundation, Riverside University Health System, California Highway Patrol, Longfellow Elementary, Peddlepower bike shop, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) and other community groups to host the event.
About 110 students were presented with a bike and helmet, which were fitted to their needs. Students and their families also had the opportunity to ride through a bike rodeo – an interactive bicycle safety training course provided by the CHP.
“The timing of this event couldn’t be better,” said City Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes, who represents the area. “Summer break is just three weeks away, and these young people are ready to hit the streets with their new wheels.”
Event host organizations and other community groups staffed booths with light refreshments, stickers for personalizing their new bike and helmet, as well as other bike safety items.
“Bicycles are a great way to get to and from school, and they are a pathway to healthy living,” Riverside Unified Schools Superintendent Renee Hill said. “We are grateful for the incredible support of our community. This event is perfectly timed for summer adventures!”
