YES Expands Its Biking Program and Serves Record Number of Youth This Spring

When YES established its Outdoor Adventure Biking Program four years ago, the response from families was excitement and enthusiasm.  Prior to YES starting its program, there were very few opportunities to learn how to ride a bike.  There are many benefits for youth who ride bicycles, including learning a life skill, developing a healthy lifestyle, boosting self-confidence, and providing an outdoor alternative to screentime.

Every Saturday during the spring and fall months, youth bring their own bikes or borrow a bike from YES to learn how to ride and improve their skills.  The program is offered in partnership with Urban Edge, one of Boston’s largest low-income housing provider and a long-time partner of YES.   Initially, the program was offered as a two-hour program on Saturday mornings.  However, this year – to meet growing demand and help eliminate waitlists – YES expanded the program and offered a second two-hour session on  Saturday afternoons.  Nearly 200 Boston youth registered in the program this spring, which is an 89% increase in enrollment compared to two years ago.

Youth in the Outdoor Adventure Biking Program are taught by YES’s direct service program staff and over a dozen volunteer biking coaches.  Young people initially learn to ride on the pavement.  As they become more comfortable and confident, they progress to explore the nearby bike trails of Jamaica Plain and Roxbury. The popular program offers young people an opportunity to learn how to ride a bike and build skills for intermediate and advanced riders.  The program is offered free-of-charge to Boston youth ages 6-18; enrollment is prioritized for low-and-moderate income households and youth living in Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Dorchester, and Mattapan.  Learn more about the Outdoor Adventure Biking Program at yeskids.org.