Cedar North Elementary students break in newly donated set of 20 balance bikes

Written by Jeff Richards
December 10, 2023

CEDAR CITY — First-graders at North Elementary School had the chance to try out 20 new pedal-less balance bicycles on Tuesday.

Cedar North Elementary first-grade students line up as officials cut the ribbon signifying the inaugural use of the school’s new balance bikes, Cedar City, Utah, Dec. 5, 2023 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News

The bikes, which will also be used by students in kindergarten classes, were donated to the school by the Burgess family, with additional contributions and assistance from Cedar City’s Active Transportation Committee, Southern Utah Bike Alliance and Red Rock Bicycle.

On Tuesday, just as a group of first-grade students was about to start their physical education class, Iron County School District Superintendent Lance Hatch and other district officials joined North Elementary Principal Danni Brown in handing out the blue and pink bikes for the first time.

They were assisted by Cedar City Council member Scott Phillips and Cedar City Police Sgt. Justin Ludlow.

Once the kids were astride the bikes and lined up, the officials strung a blue ribbon across the floor and posed for photos as it was ceremoniously cut, signifying the inaugural use of the new balance bikes.

Cedar North Elementary first-grade students try out the school’s new balance bikes for the first time, Cedar City, Utah, Dec. 5, 2023 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News

After being given a few basic instructions by PE teacher Coach Sally, the students took to moving back and forth across the gymnasium floor, propelling themselves using their feet.

“This donation will benefit North Elementary’s PE program by providing access to bikes that students can use at school while also creating a fun indoor winter exercise program,” Brown said, adding, “We are grateful for this opportunity and the kids are ecstatic about using them.”

Cedar City’s public information officer Gabrielle Costello said that one of the main purposes of the city’s active transportation committee is to serve as a liaison, connect key community members, community groups and organizations to help encourage active transportation.

“It’s exciting to see these connections come to fruition and benefit our community,” Costello said.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeff Richards, a native of Salt Lake City with family roots in Panguitch, lived in Moab for 20 years before joining St. George News in 2017. Jeff is a longtime journalist and secondary school teacher. He and his wife Penny are the parents of five daughters. They also have three young grandsons. Jeff and his family enjoy swimming, camping, sightseeing, reading, and taking pictures.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @stgnews@moabjeff@stgnewssports

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