BBSP 2024 Bi-Monthly Photos by Lor Song
As we close out the 2024 biking season, it’s time to reflect on the incredible strides made by the Better Bike Share Partnership, Indego, and The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. From April to November, these organizations worked tirelessly to make biking more accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for residents of Philadelphia. Through a range of educational programs, group rides, and bike-sharing initiatives, the 2024 season marked significant progress in growing the city’s cycling community.
The Better Bike Share Partnership: Empowering Communities
One of the standout initiatives in 2024 was the continued success of the Better Bike Share Partnership (BBSP), a national initiative that focuses on building equitable access to bike-sharing services in underserved communities. Through a variety of programs, BBSP worked with local partners to engage residents, improve biking knowledge, and break down the barriers to bike share participation. The goal was not only to provide access to bikes but also to ensure people felt comfortable and confident riding them.
In Philadelphia, this partnership brought together community leaders, local organizations, and bike advocates to host numerous learn-to-ride classes, Indego riding basics workshops, and group rides. These events were integral in helping new riders gain the skills and confidence they needed to enjoy cycling as both a recreational and transportation option.
Indego: Expanding Access and Building Confidence
The Indego bike-share program continues to be a cornerstone of the city’s efforts to promote cycling. In 2024, the system saw further expansion in terms of both the number of bikes and the number of stations, ensuring that more residents had easy access to affordable, convenient transportation.
But Indego isn’t just about having bikes available — it’s about ensuring that people know how to use them, especially those who have never ridden before or are unfamiliar with bike-sharing systems. That’s where the Indego Riding Basics classes came into play. These classes were designed to help new riders get comfortable with bike share, teaching them how to properly use the bikes and navigate the streets safely.
While 28 participants attended the Indego Riding Basics classes in 2024, the retention rate of 43.08% (with 65 total registered participants) shows that there is still room for growth in terms of engaging new riders and helping them feel confident about utilizing the service.
The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia: Building a Stronger Cycling Community
The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia (BCGP) was also instrumental in organizing many of the season’s educational programs and group rides. The Coalition’s efforts were focused on building community, advocating for safer streets, and offering fun, guided group rides and learn-to ride classes to encourage people to get out and ride.
In total, 184 participants joined the Combined Group Rides, with a remarkable 80% retention rate, meaning that participants who signed up for rides generally followed through and enjoyed the experience. Group rides are a wonderful way for people to connect, learn from more experienced riders, and discover new areas of the city. BCGP’s diverse offerings — from leisurely tours of the city to more structured training rides — ensured there was something for everyone.
One of the most impactful programs in 2024 was the Bilingual Classes and Rides, aimed at reaching Spanish-speaking communities. With 19 total attendees and a 76% retention rate, this initiative successfully bridged language gaps, helping more people access the educational resources and support they need to become confident cyclists.
A Look at the Numbers: 2024 Education Programs in Review
In total, the season saw 374 total registered participants across all educational programs, with 277 actual attendees taking part in various classes and group rides. That’s an impressive 74.06% retention rate, reflecting the success of these programs in engaging participants and keeping them coming back for more.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the season’s educational programs:
| Program | Total Registered Participants | Total Actual Attendees | Retention Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learn-to-Ride | 79 | 46 | 58.23% |
| Indego Riding Basics | 65 | 28 | 43.08% |
| Combined Group Rides | 230 | 184 | 80.00% |
| Bilingual Classes & Rides | 25 | 19 | 76.00% |
| Total | 374 | 277 | 74.06% |
These programs reflect a growing commitment to ensuring that more Philadelphians are equipped to take advantage of the city’s expanding cycling infrastructure.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we close the chapter on the 2024 season, there is a lot of optimism for the future. With continued investment in bike-sharing infrastructure, ongoing educational programming, and a growing commitment to equity and inclusion, 2025 promises to be another exciting year for cycling in Philadelphia.
The Better Bike Share Partnership, Indego, and The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia will continue to expand their reach, provide more opportunities for people to get involved, and work together to build a stronger, more vibrant biking community.
Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and supported these programs. Your dedication to making Philadelphia a more bike-friendly city is truly inspiring!
Stay Connected: If you’re interested in joining the biking community or learning more about upcoming classes and rides, make sure to follow Indego, The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, and the Better Bike Share Partnership on social media for the latest updates and announcements for the 2025 season.
Let’s keep pedaling forward! 🚲