The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia is expanding into Fairmount Park with the opening of its first park-based cycling education and community center.
Housed in the historic Sedgley Porter House on Lemon Hill, the center will act as a community hub for all of BCGP’s cycling education programs with a special focus on its Bicycle Coalition Youth Cycling Program (BCYC).
BCYC fosters healthy habits, leadership, and independence in Philadelphia youth through the sport of cycling.
In 2018, BCYC’s program grew exponentially, to over 130 youth across 10 sites in North and West Philadelphia. BCYC program Manager Taylor Kuyk-White believed the program was ready for its own space.
“BCYC’s programming relies on a partnership model with Philadelphia Schools and Community Centers,” says Kuyk-White. “Last summer, we held a series of all star trainings, a portion of which happened in the storage locker where our bikes are kept. We had 55 youth and 5 coaches crammed like sardines into the basement unit to learn basic bike maintenance. I remember thinking, we are bursting at the seams; it’s time.”
We were definitely getting a little too big for our old space…
The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), the elected governing youth council of BCYC, agreed with Taylor’s assessment wholeheartedly and participated in the search for a new home. “We feel it really puts the youth first,” says Jahmiel Jackson, YAC member. “This expansion is the most enriching thing we have been able to accomplish.”
YAC member Lurena Watkins is excited for the space to serve in an educational and social capacity.
“In our vision, all of our Spring Events will be held there: our All Star Ceremony, Big Cook Outs, and even Outdoor Bike Mechanics Classes,” she adds. “It’s going to be great to have an open space for our us to hang out with teammates and get work done.”
Beginning in the Spring of 2019, the new headquarters will serve as a homebase for BCYC staff offices, Youth Advisory Committee meetings, the entire BCYC Fuji Fleet, repair shop, All Star classes, ride meet-ups, parent gatherings, and more. An official opening will take place in Spring 2019, to celebrate the beginning of BCYC’s spring season.
The Bicycle Coalition is excited to be able to provide a meeting and training space for Bicycle Coalition Youth Cycling and our other education programming.
Through advocacy and education, the Bicycle Coalition leads the movement to make bicycling a safe and fun way to get around for anyone in Greater Philadelphia. We’re a member-funded organization, and we can’t advocate for building out the region’s bicycle network without your support. Join or donate today to partner with us and make your ride better.