2018 National Bike Summit: Grassroots Grow Together

Bike education is empowering youth at all ages and levels of maturity. Here are two inspiring programs equipping youth to be more independent and achieving greater freedom all by way of the bicycle. 

The Seattle region's Major Taylor Project provides youth with opportunities to learn to ride, repair and own a bicycle to help empower them to rise above challenges in their communities. One success story is the bicycle playground developed in an under used urban park using a combination of philanthropic, community organization, public funding, and pro bono services. This session will address the genesis of the Major Taylor Project, funding, design and development of the bicycle playground and benefits to the participants and the community as a whole. A national perspective on programs for currently underrepresented youth is also explored.

In 2016, BikePGH adapted its successful Positive Spin youth cycling program to meet the needs of young people aging out of foster services, through a partnership with ACTION-Housing at My Place. The program delivers Positive Spin curriculum and brand new bikes and commuter accessories to its graduates. 

In Pennsylvania, approximately 1,500 youth age out of foster care each year, left essentially to fend for themselves or become homeless. These youth are at a crucial stage in their lives; on the brink of adulthood, they are in great need of building a stable life but need support and a strong foundation in order to do so. Bike education through the Positive Spin program paves the road to a better chance of building that foundation.