Strider bikes donated to schools across South Dakota

PIERRE, S.D. (DRG News) – Kindergarten classes at Stanley County Elementary School in Fort Pierre and St. Joseph School in Pierre were surprised Monday by a donation of around 20 Strider bikes.

Strider creator Ryan McFarland from Rapid City created the first Strider Bike in his garage in Rapid City in 2007.

McFarland says the goal of the Strider Education Foundation is to get the Learn to Ride programs in Kindergarten classes across the county.

Stanley County Elementary School principal Terri Mehlhaff says the bikes will have multiple uses.

South Dakota Congressman and Fort Pierre native Dusty Johnson told the students Strider Bikes have been fun for his family.

The bikes were sponsored by the South Dakota Retailers Association, BankWest, Montana-Dakota Utilities and Motorola.