Last Saturday, September 13th, we gathered with over 120 fellow cycling enthusiasts to ride in support of the Bicycle Coalition Youth Cycling (BCYC) program and its scholarship fund. Roll Wit It was a true celebration of bike joy and community impact — and raised nearly $30,000 for our youth athletes!
Riders gathered on the lawn at Sedgley Porter House, checked in and received welcome packets with swag from Nuun, Trek, and Philly Bike Ride before heading out on one of four ride routes. Community partners Philly Bike Train, T3 Philly, Black Girl Joy Rides, Pedal Posse Divas, and Major Taylor Cycling Club brought their energy and inspirational presence that spilled over to our youth athletes in conversations between pedal strokes.
When riders returned to Sedgley, we turned our attention to celebrating two incredible individuals:
Jeffrey Butler, our 2025 Youth Athlete of the Year.
Just one year ago, Jeffrey was brand new to BCYC, and had never ridden bikes before joining the program. Within a year, he became an All-Star, joined the Youth Advisory Council, and proved himself as a leader, teammate, and role model. He had this to say:
Being on a bike has allowed me to ride competitively with PICL, create some cool relationships with teammates and coaches, and gives me time to focus on nothing else but riding when I am on the trails. […] Through my experience, I’ve learned that I can pick up skills quickly by showing up consistently, listening to my coaches, and it has helped me become a leader of my team.
From left to right, Jeffery Butler, with his father, and fellow BCYC Athlete
Ryan DeRoche, our inauagural Coach of the Year.
Ryan has been a pillar of this program from the very beginning, and his impact is undeniable. Current and former students spoke about the ways he’s shaped their journey:
Coach Ryan is just an amazing person. He’s really funny, and he brings a lot of energy every single time we see him. He doesn’t make anyone feel left out — everybody’s included, everybody belongs, and somehow he just makes sure the team feels like one big family.
Coach Ryan is the heart of our culture. No matter what season it is, he makes sure there’s discipline, a routine, and respect for each other and for the sport. It’s not about fear or authority — it’s about respect and support. Everyone buys in because of how he leads. You can feel it as soon as you’re around the team. […] He’s more than a coach to us — he’s the reason we feel like we belong, we grow, and we love this sport.
Coach Ryan with some of his athletes
We are thrilled to share that Roll Wit It exceeded our financial goal thanks to the tremendous partnership of Balance Catamarans, Hayden AI, The Philly Lawyers, Bicycle Transit Systems, Jawnt, Philadelphia Works, Piscitello Law, Dr. Thomas Vernon & Pat West, Marathon Grill, and Firstrust Bank. Thank you for investing in this program and the next generation of cyclists and community leaders!
A huge shout-out to the riders & community members who contributed to the BCYC collegiate scholarship fund! Your enthusiastic support flew past the $10K match goal — our generous donor has agreed to match the $11,500 raised by riders, doubling your impact to $23,000!
To everyone who rode, cheered, donated, or simply showed up—thank you. You helped us raise funds for scholarships, but more importantly, you helped us create memories, celebrate achievements, and roll forward with joy.
Roll Wit It wouldn’t be possible without the support of BCYC coaches and families, and Bicycle Coalition Board members, staff, and volunteers — thank you to everyone who helped with event set-up, staffed aid stations & check-in, planned routes & marshaled rides, flipped burgers, and stayed to clean up. Thanks as well to Riverwards Produce and Athletic Brewing for your in-kind support of our aid stations and after party.
