Posted January 11, 2022 in Rapid City, Lifestyle

CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT: STRIDER SPORTS

Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota, Strider Sports designs efficient, Strider No-Pedal Balance Bikes for children as young as 18 months, as well as for individuals with special needs and seniors wanting to stay active and mobile later in life. 

The patented Strider Balance Bikes focus on the fundamentals of balancing, learning and steering without the distractions and complications of pedals or training wheels.  Since 2007, Strider has sold more than 1.5 million bikes in 75 countries; more than any other balance bike company.

Security First’s relationship with company founder and CEO Ryan McFarland began a few years before he created Strider, when he owed and operated a mortgage company.  “We’ve had a front-row seat since Strider’s beginnings.”  said Rapid City commercial lending officer Dan Schuerer.  “Their success has come through hard work, marketing and product innovation, and a laser focus on the needs of people who want to ride a bike but can’t safely use pedals.  It’s been rewarding to watch them grow.”

Toddlers and Bikes

Most kids who start on a Strider Bike learn to ride a pedal bike by age five without using training wheels.  Brooklyn from Newark, California got her Strider Bike when she was three years old.  She shocked her parents six months later by immediately transitioning to a pedal bike.  Her dad, David remembers…”One day, she pointed to a pedal bike and told us she wanted to ride it- without the training wheels.  We just had to hold the seat for her first try, and then she was off and pedaling.  It was mind blowing.  Riding a Strider Bike gives kids independence and the ability to gain confidence on a bike without the pressure of having to pedal or push back for braking.”

Special Needs

Strider has worked with Special Olympics, donating bikes and hosting Strider Camps for athletes to learn to ride.  In 2016, South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard recognized Strider Sports with the Distinguished Service Award for its contributions to the rehabilitation and employment of South Dakotans with disabilities at the 2016 Governor’s Awards.

“To date we have donated over $850,000 in cash and Strider Bikes to organization that serve children and adults in need, including individuals with disabilities,” said Strider Bikes founder and CEO Ryan McFarland, who is originally from Custer, South Dakota.  “At Strider, we give generously, and we love doing it!”

Striders for Seniors

Westhills Village Retirement Community has incorporated Strider Bikes in their Wellness Program, helping individuals gain balance and coordination-and have fun doing it!  Some residents were riders in the past, but others never even learned, like 90-year-old Shirley Sternsgaard.  She said she was “too busy raising her kids,” and was grateful Strider gave her that opportunity. 

The beginner/intermediate class for new, or returning riders, is held indoors and teaches the basics.  The advanced class ventures outside, where residents stride along on the quarter-mile and half-mile trail loops. 

“Some residents sold their bikes when they moved into the retirement community because they were afraid of having a fall,” said Erin Smith, the Westhills Village Retirement Director.  “They never thought they’d ride again.  Our classes with Strider Bikes give them opportunity to get back on a bike without fear of balance challenges or falling off.”

Strider Bikes provide independence, freedom, healthy exercise and fun for all ages.  To learn more, visit www.striderbikes.com.