This October, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia (BCGP) Better Bike Share Partnership (BBSP), and Indego had the privilege of hosting an exciting series of Learn-to-Ride classes and community bike rides, aimed at promoting biking as an accessible and fun mode of transportation. With 47 participants joining us throughout the month, we were able to engage diverse communities, highlight important partnerships, and showcase the power of biking to connect people with their neighborhoods.
Our collaborations with local organizations such as Black Girl Joy Rides, Get Fresh Daily, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Center at Smith Playground, Philly Birding, The Discovery Center, Young Chances Foundation, and The Mexican Cultural Center made these events even more meaningful. Their support and dedication made these events possible, bringing people together for positive, shared experiences.
Participant Testimonials
We’re always thrilled to hear from our participants, and October was no exception. The feedback we received reinforces the impact of our events:
- Alysha Newton shared, “Thank you for your help. It was really reassuring to have you all accompany us.”
- Akua Ahmed mentioned, “I have a bike, but think Indego is a great option.”
It’s always wonderful to hear how participants see bike-share programs as a convenient option for getting around the city.
These testimonials remind us why we do this work—to build community, increase accessibility, and create positive experiences around cycling.
Key Events from October
Adult Learn-to-Ride at Smith Playground (South Philadelphia – Point Breeze)
Adult Learn-to-Ride at Smith Playground (South Philadelphia – Point Breeze)Our Adult Learn-to-Ride class at Smith Playground was one of the highlights of the month. Held in partnership with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, this event provided a welcoming space for adults who wanted to learn to ride a bike for the first time or regain their confidence. With the guidance of our skilled instructors, including Lor, Lina, and Miriam, many participants made significant progress. One participant, Bianca, shared, “Lor, Lina, and Miriam were amazing instructors!”. We couldn’t agree more—thanks to their patience and expertise, everyone felt encouraged and supported in a low-pressure, safe environment.
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Urban Garden Bike Crawl (West Philadelphia)
In collaboration with Get Fresh Daily, the Urban Garden Bike Crawl was a perfect combination of cycling and sustainability. This event led participants through some of Philadelphia’s best community gardens, showcasing the power of urban farming, environmental stewardship, and the intersection between bikes and green spaces. It was an opportunity for participants to not only explore West Philly but also learn about the impact of community gardens in creating healthier, more vibrant neighborhoods.
The Discovery Center Biking and Birding Tour (North Philadelphia – Strawberry Mansion)
A unique adventure in the heart of Philadelphia, the Biking and Birding Tour at The Discovery Center paired cycling with nature observation. Participants had the chance to explore the outdoors, spot local bird species, and learn from experts in both cycling and birding. As one participant, Maureen Clarke, said, “I really enjoyed the ride. Thank you all.” This event truly highlighted the beauty of the city and the importance of outdoor activities in fostering community connections.
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After-School Youth Learn-to-Ride with Young Chances Foundation (South Philadelphia – Gray Ferry)
Working with the Young Chances Foundation, we hosted a Youth Learn-to-Ride event after school, offering young people an opportunity to learn bike skills in a safe place, at the D Finnegan Playground in Grays Ferry. Biking is not only a fun physical activity, but it also empowers youth to gain independence and explore their neighborhoods in a new way. These classes serve as a reminder of the importance of making biking accessible to everyone, regardless of age or experience.
Annual DÍa de Los Muertos Group Ride (South Philadelphia – Italian/Mexican Market)
Our DÍa de Los Muertos Group Ride, held in partnership with The Mexican Cultural Center, was a festive and meaningful way to celebrate the lives and legacies of loved ones lost. We rode through South Philly and ended at the official festival in the Italian/Mexican Market, featuring vibrant altars and decorations inspired by this traditional Mexican/Aztec holiday, and endless tacos made it an unforgettable community event. Participants embraced the spirit of the ride, and we were thrilled to honor this cultural celebration through the joy of cycling.
Partner Appreciation
The Better Bike Share Partnership would not be possible without the incredible support of our community partners. A special thank you goes out to:
- Black Girl Joy Bike Rides for providing a platform to empower women of color through cycling and community-building.
- Get Fresh Daily for helping us integrate the wellness of biking with urban gardening and sustainability.
- Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Center at Smith Playground for hosting our Learn-to-Ride events in a beautiful, community-centric environment.
- Philly Birding and The Discovery Center for showcasing the intersection of nature and urban exploration through biking and birding.
- Young Chances Foundation for their commitment to engaging youth through biking and after-school programming.
- The Mexican Cultural Center for making our DÍa de Los Muertos ride a cultural and vibrant celebration of life.
Additional Support for Major Conferences
In addition to our monthly events, our team also supported two important cycling-related conferences:
- The North American Bikeshare & Scootershare Association (NABSA) 2024 Conference: Held in Philadelphia, this event brought together leaders in bike and scooter share systems to discuss innovative strategies for making shared mobility more accessible to communities across North America.
- The 2024 MPACT Conference: We participated in the MPACT Conference by supporting the Indego bike tour, connecting attendees to key locations around the city, and emphasizing the importance of biking in urban planning and mobility.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the cooler months, we remain committed to providing opportunities for Philadelphians to connect with biking in meaningful ways. Our work with the Better Bike Share Partnership continues to grow, and we look forward to hosting more events that make biking accessible, inclusive, and fun for all. Stay tuned for upcoming events and classes in the coming months. Whether you’re new to biking or an experienced rider, there’s always a place for you in our community rides and learn-to-ride programs!
A huge thank you to our partners, participants, and all those who made this month a success. We couldn’t do it without you. See you on the road! 🚲