On a bright, breezy Saturday morning, the east side of Hunting Park came alive with bikes, sneakers, music, and community spirit for the Hunting Park Hustle, a free, family-friendly festival celebrating active transportation, BCYC youth athletes, and the Jewel of North Philly, car-free for a day!
From a 5k run to exhibition criterium races, from little ones learning to ride to high school seniors heading off to college with scholarship checks in hand, the day delivered something fun and meaningful for everyone who came out to Hustle in Hunting Park.
5k run kicked off the Hunting Park Hustle. Photo by Mike Shipp
By the Numbers
- Around 100 youth, adults, and dogs (yes, dogs!) participated in the Philly Running Alliance 5k Run / 1k Walk — with several participants completing a bonus lap just for the fun of it.
- 22 participants registered for Lil Philly Safety Village kids bike and play sessions
- 5 bikes given away to young participants at the Safety Village
- 25 new BCYC All Stars recognized: joining what is now the largest All Star Team yet, with 40 youth total!
- $54,000 in scholarships awarded to six graduating high school seniors
Mentor, Coach Jerry, leads the Boys Crit Race.
BCYC Takes the Course
For many youth, the team Time trials and Criterium races are an opportunity to learn more about the sport of cycling and meet student athletes from other schools.
Our Bicycle Coalition Youth Cycling athletes showed out across multiple disciplines throughout the day. Several BCYC school teams competed in the Team Time Trial and Criterium exhibition races, giving the crowd a front-row seat to the heart, strategy, and grit that define our youth cycling program. The racing was fast, the cheering was loud, and the athletes were outstanding. Students in each category podiumed and all students challenged themselves to finish the race.
The Big Loop & Lil Philly Safety Village
Photo by Mike Shipp
The Big Loop Community Ride brought neighbors, families, and friends, coaches, and teammates together for a non-competitive loop around the park. Riders of all ages and all kinds of bikes made their way around together. What a good feeling it is to share the road (and the park) with your community.
Meanwhile, BCGP educators at the Lil Philly Safety Village gave our youngest would-be riders a chance to get in the saddle, learn the basics, and build confidence — with free bike and helmet rentals available. Five lucky young participants took home brand new bikes of their own.
Five youth bikes, helmets, and locks given away to Safety Village participants. photo by Mike Shipp
$54,000 in Scholarships to Graduating BCYC Athletes
One of the most powerful moments of the day was the announcement of this year’s BCYC scholarship recipients. Founded by Jerry and Julie Jacobs, the BCYC scholarship program continues to invest in our youth through high school and beyond — and this year’s class is exceptional.
Scholarship recipient, Mamady, and family. Photo by Henridell Davermand
Takerah Rorie (Neighborhood Bike Works) – Awarded $2,000
- Attending La Salle University
- Pursuing a degree in Nursing
Spencer Hazelwood (W.B. Saul) – Awarded $7,000
- Attending Thomas Jefferson University
- Pursuing a degree related to Medical Research
Ambar Sanchez (Central High School, YAC Member) – Awarded $7,000
- Attending Community College of Philadelphia before transferring into a Nursing program
- Pursuing a career in Nursing
Mamady Toure (George Washington Carver, YAC Member) – Awarded $10,000
- Attending Temple University
- Pursuing a degree in Veterinary Medicine
Jonathan Ramos (Kensington High School, YAC Member) – Awarded $14,000
- Attending Community College of Philadelphia before transferring to a four-year institution
- Pursuing a career as a Structural Engineer
Randall Campbell (Boys Latin) – Awarded $14,000
- Attending Eastern University – St. Davids Campus
- Pursuing studies in Business and Counseling
Congratulations to each of these incredible young people. We can’t wait to see where your journeys take you.
Learn more about the BCYC Scholarship Program →
The Hustle was truly a community effort, with activations and programming from:
- Philly Running Alliance
- Philly Track Jawn
- Swagga House Run Club
- Hunting Park United
- Girls on the Run
- Hunting Park Garden
- Invictus Physical Therapy
- Vision Zero Ambassadors
- PCOM (Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine)
Photo by Bibuo.
We were also honored to welcome State Senator Sharif Street and State Representative Danilo Burgos to the event. Their presence speaks to the growing momentum behind safe streets, active transportation, and investment in North Philadelphia’s communities.
The sounds of the day came courtesy of DJ Blake and DJ Lexx, keeping the energy high from start to finish.
DJ Blake. Photo by Bibou
Thank You to Our Volunteers & Supporters
Our volunteers and esteemed coaches played a vital role in making the event a success, from cheering to marshaling corners and officiating. A massive thank you to the Independence Blue Crew and our devoted BCYC coaches, who made the day possible through course management, site set-up, and keeping the cookout going strong.
The Hunting Park Hustle (part of Bike Month 2026, presented by Independence Blue Cross) was made possible with lead support from the William Penn Foundation, with additional support from PECO, the Philly Bike Ride, Wawa, and GU Energy Labs. We are grateful for every partner who helped bring this day to life.
See You Next Year
Join us in Hunting Park next year to get in on the magic. When a community comes together around bikes, safe streets, and shared space, something special happens. North Philly showed up, and we are so proud to be part of it.
Stay tuned for photos, and follow us @bicyclecoalition for more.