Nailah Beach participated in the Bicycle Coalition Youth Cycling (BCYC) Program from 2022-2023 at Central High School, becoming a BCYC All Star and receiving a BCYC Scholarship when she graduated. Nailah is now in her second year at Thomas Jefferson University studying Psychology towards her goal of becoming a School Psychologist. She plans to return to BCYC as a volunteer this summer when she is off from school.
Bicycle Coalition staff caught up with Nailah to see what she is up to now, ask her if she is still riding her bike, and ask her to reflect on how the BCYC Program continues to impact her today.
If you could describe BCYC in one word, what would it be?
Image of Nailah from June 2023
If I could describe BCYC in one word, I would use “community”. The way that the coaches get to know and support all of the kids is so heartwarming and also the foundation of the organization. The kids thrive better for it as well, since they gain reliable role models and get introduced to a new sport that they can take with them anywhere.
How did BCYC Impact your life?
BCYC helped me get back into cycling and even introduced it to me as a sport. I have always loved riding my bike but I never had consistent access to one growing up. I also learned different traffic rules for when I ride in the street so that I can safely ride around the city.
BCYC also gave me access to a new stress reliever. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I ride my bike to recuperate and blow off some steam. This would really help me relax and also explore my surroundings. It gave me a sense of freedom and control that I hadn’t had in a while.
Image from fall 2022 of Nailah as Youth Athlete of the Year
“Through my BCYC experience and many others like it, I have learned to persevere during times of self-doubt… What helped me to overcome my doubt were the words from my coaches, who always reassured me that falling was a part of being a cyclist. They encouraged me to push past my fears and to try harder until I could perfect my turns. And it is that support that helped me overcome my worries and become more confident as a cyclist.”
-Nailah Beach, Youth Athlete of the Year Speech 2022
Are you still riding your bike?
I still ride my bike when I can though it’s been a little harder since starting college. I have a lot of assignments that also take up a lot of time. Which means the time I can ride has become shorter.
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Each year, The Bicycle Coalition Youth Cycling (BCYC) Program engages over 170 youth to builds healthy habits, independence and leadership on and off the bike with a Core Program, All Star Program, Youth Advisory Committee and BCYC Scholarship Program. Nailah is one many recipients of a BCYC Scholarship. The BCYC Scholarship Program launched in 2017 by Jerry & Julie Jacobs and aims to provide post-high school financial aid to youth athletes strengthening their path forward. The BCYC Scholarship rewards hard working athletes but also motivates younger participants to stick with the program. Since 2017, BCYC has granted 27 youth athletes scholarships for post secondary education.
Inspired by our youth athletes? Join the Bicycle Coalition today to support BCYC and all of our essential programs.