On May 6, as communities across the country celebrate National Bike & Roll to School Day, the students at Capitol View Elementary have even more reason to ride with pride.
Last October, something remarkable happened - more than 450 K–5 students received brand-new bikes of their very own. Every child who submitted an application was gifted a Variety bike, and for many, it was their very first.
The impact has been immediate and meaningful. A bike is more than just a way to get around - it represents freedom, independence, and the simple joy of being a kid. It encourages healthy habits, builds confidence, and opens up new possibilities for play and connection.
These bikes became a reality thanks to a series of Variety Bike Builds, where dedicated volunteers from Principal Charity Classic, Venerable, Syverson Strege, Community State Bank, Knapp Properties, DLL, MidAmerican Energy, Golden Rule Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, and BHE Renewables came together to assemble each bike with care. Final safety checks by Bike World ensured that every child received a bike ready to ride.
Since then, the ripple effects have been impossible to miss. Principal Ben Graeber shared:
The free bike giveaway at Capitol View Elementary this fall was incredible. We have many students choosing to bike to and from school each day. Furthermore, it is common to see students riding their bikes all around the neighborhood each day after school. One grandparent came to see me a few weeks ago and said, ‘It is just so wonderful to see so many students biking around on nice days. I have never seen anything like it!’
Principal Ben Graeber
What started as a single event has transformed daily life for hundreds of children, filling streets with laughter, movement, and newfound independence.
This Bike & Roll to School Day, Capitol View students aren’t just participating; they’re leading the way, one ride at a time.
Host A Bike Build
Are you or your company interested in helping more kids experience the joy of owning their own bike? Consider hosting a Variety Bike Build!
Bikes are a big part of childhood, yet for many children in our community, having one of their own is out of reach. Variety works to change that by partnering with Bike World Iowa to provide bikes, helmets, and locks to kids across the state. Each bike arrives unassembled, creating a unique hands-on opportunity for your company or organization to sponsor, build, and present 50 to 200 bikes to local children. It’s a meaningful team-building experience with a lasting impact.
To learn more or schedule your Bike Build, please contact Alexa Lord, Director of Programs.
