$6K Grant Launches Kyrock's Bicycle Education Program

Edmonson Voice Report:
Kyrock Elementary students will soon be riding toward a safer, healthier future thanks to a large grant recently secured by Mrs. Ali Mello, P.E. instructor for the Blackhawks.

The $6,000 Paula Nye Memorial Bicyclist Education Grant will launch a comprehensive bicycle education program at the school.

The grant will allow Mrs. Ali to teach students not only how to ride bicycles, but also how to ride responsibly and safely.

According to Mrs. Ali, the program will include hands-on instruction in basic riding skills, understanding road signs, proper hand signals, and the importance of wearing safety equipment. Students will also learn how to inspect their bicycles and helmets to ensure they are road-ready.

“This is about more than just riding bikes,” Mrs. Ali said. “It’s about building confidence, promoting healthy habits, and making sure our students understand how to stay safe.”

To support the initiative, Mrs. Ali partnered with the law firm of Hughes & Coleman, who will supply helmets for Kyrock students. The donation ensures every child has access to proper head protection as they participate in the program. In addition, Walmart helped extend the impact of the grant by offering discounts on equipment, allowing the program to reach even more students.

Local charity Santa's Helping Hands assisted in the coordination with Walmart and transportation of the bikes.

Mrs. Ali with Walmart staff and Mark Wardlow with SHH, who helped with transporting the bikes.

Lindsey Simpson with Hughes and Coleman.

Mrs. Ali also said that as part of the initiative, a bicycle safety course will be set up at Kyrock Elementary. All students will complete the course, navigating through simulated traffic patterns and practicing safe riding techniques in a controlled environment before taking their skills beyond school grounds.

The program is also expanding beyond Kyrock. She also said that the bikes purchased through the grant will be shared with South Edmonson to promote county-wide inclusion and ensure more students have access to active, healthy learning opportunities.