P3R Grant Supports Eisenhower’s All Kids Bike Program

The Learn-to-Ride program introduces kindergarten and first grade students to biking through Strider balance bikes and a comprehensive physical education curriculum. The grant will fund the purchase of an updated teacher instruction bike, allowing physical education teacher Corey Vasbinder to safely demonstrate essential riding skills and proper bike safety techniques.

A classroom set of Strider balance-to-pedal bikes, helmets and bike racks was purchased a few years ago with support from Eisenhower’s Parent Teacher Organization. The recent grant will strengthen the program.

“We’re fortunate to have the Montour Trail right in our community, a place where families already run, walk and bike together,” he said. “Through the P3R grant we can create a fun, hands-on environment where students learn the rules of the road and practice safe biking habits.”

P3R organizes a variety of races, events and health and fitness programs throughout the Pittsburgh region, including the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon and the Chick-fil-A Pittsburgh Kids Marathon – the culminating race for participants in the Kids of STEEL program.

Through Kids of STEEL, students follow a marathon training plan by completing 25 miles during training before running the final mile on race day. This year’s Chick-fil-A Pittsburgh Kids Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026. All three Upper St. Clair elementary schools – Baker, Eisenhower and Streams – participate in the Kids of STEEL program.

This spring marks Eisenhower’s second year participating. Led by parent volunteers Jen Beam, Lisa Carrabine and Lexie Furlani, student participation has grown from 130 students last year to more than 160 this spring.

Mr. Vasbinder values how the program encourages students and families to stay active together and develop lifelong healthy habits.

“Our goal is to inspire students and families to be active together,” he said. “While running is our focus, we remind our athletes that movement should be fun and that every step counts – whether it’s walking the dog, raking leaves, playing basketball, riding bikes, etc. We aim to promote a lifetime love of movement!”