Bikes for Kids USA
What Is Bikes for Kids USA?
Bikes for Kids Foundation celebrates amazing young heroes across America. Founded in 2002, the program honors students in 3rd and 4th grade—the most pivotal years for shaping lifelong mindsets. We serve in Title 1 schools where passionate students deserve access to mentorship, resources, and celebration of their achievements.
The Foundation has celebrated over 100,000 young heroes since its founding. With a presence in hundreds of Title 1 elementary schools, the goal is to expand to every classroom in America, ensuring every student knows they are believed in.
What makes Bikes for Kids unique: 100% of all donations go directly to children. There are no salaries and no outside administration costs—every operational function is carried out by volunteers.
"Nothing is given, everything is earned."
The core lesson that guides every aspect of the program
Meet Robert Krumroy
Author, Visionary & Champion for Children
Robert Krumroy
Author, Founder & Visionary
Robert Krumroy is the author of the Bikes for Kids Foundation's core character-building books, including the program's foundational title "Dream Big. Work Hard. Be Kind. Never Give Up!"—the book that every participating 3rd grader reads as part of their 2-year journey.
Krumroy is also the founder of Kids Dreams Matter and has spent decades championing the belief that every young person deserves to be seen, heard, valued, and supported as a hero. His books are specifically crafted for all students: full-color, illustrated workbooks that combine storytelling with guided reflection exercises that celebrate character and dreams.
Through his partnership with Bikes for Kids Foundation, Krumroy's books have reached tens of thousands of heroes in schools across all 50 states. His philosophy aligns perfectly with the Foundation's mission: that every child is capable of greatness when equipped with the right mindset, celebration of their character, and the belief that hard work produces real results.
Krumroy's approach centers on the four principles embedded in every Bikes for Kids classroom:
Dream Big
Envision a future beyond your current circumstances
Work Hard
Effort and perseverance are the engines of achievement
Be Kind
Character is built through how we treat others
Never Give Up
Resilience turns setbacks into stepping stones
Who We Serve
Bikes for Kids foundational program serves under-resourced 3rd grade students. Our character trait books and Dream Guide are utilized by all students, from elementary school through college.
How the Program Works
Books & Classroom Study
Every 3rd grade student in a partner school receives a copy of Robert Krumroy's character-building book 'Dream Big. Work Hard. Be Kind. Never Give Up!'. Over 6 weeks, students engage with the four principles of the book through guided study, reflection, and challenge questions. A second semester follow-up book, 'BE STRATEGIC: Life Is So Much Better', help students continue on their paths to achieve their dreams.
Essay Writing & Hero Awards
Students write personal essays describing how 'Dream Big, Work Hard, Be Kind, Never Give Up' applies to their own lives. The strongest essays earn a brand-new bicycle and helmet as a trophy for their hard work.
Bike Awards Ceremony
At year's end, we celebrate heroes in a community awards ceremony. Students, families, teachers, and Champions gather to honor achievement. The moment a student receives their bike creates a memory—and a belief—that lasts a lifetime.
A Multi-Year Journey
The program continues into 4th grade and spans into high school with additional character-building materials and challenges. This sustained engagement builds lasting traits and reinforces that perseverance produces real results.
Why a Bike?
As a famous athlete once said: "A bicycle represents freedom. There was a sense of joy and community in having a bike. There was nothing that could stop us. We felt like we were on top of the world."
But for a student who has never owned one—whose family cannot afford one—a bike is more than a reward. It is a cause for hope. A moment of confidence. An encounter with role models that will impact them for years.
It affirms in their hearts that hard work and dreams really do come true—and they made it happen.
Voices from the Community
"Bikes for Kids has transformed our school culture. Students are more motivated, attendance is up, and kindness has become the norm. It's remarkable what happens when we celebrate heroes and reward their achievements."
"I've never seen students so excited about being kind and working hard. The bike ceremony is always the highlight of our year. These aren't just bikes—they're trophies celebrating heroic character."
"My child earned their bike through hard work and good behavior. The pride on their face when they received it was priceless. This program shows kids that their achievements matter."
The Book That Drives the Program
Every 3rd grade hero reads this foundational book as part of their 2-year journey — and an online course brings the lessons to life.
Dream Big. Work Hard. Be Kind. Never Give Up!
by Robert Krumroy
The foundational character-building workbook at the heart of Bikes for Kids USA. Students study this book over 6 weeks, writing essays that earn them a brand-new bicycle.