Business Details
10 Years
experience
Empowering Kids Through Bicycling in Colorado Springs
At Kids on Bikes, we believe bicycles are transformative tools that break down barriers, foster community connections, and promote active lifestyles for children. Founded on the principle that every child deserves the joy and freedom of owning a bike, our organization has developed a comprehensive ecosystem of programs to address socioeconomic disparities in bicycle access. Through innovative initiatives like our Earn-a-Bike programs, community bike libraries, and summer camps, we provide children with bicycles, riding education, and ongoing opportunities to develop essential life skills. Our dedicated team of professionals and volunteers works year-round to create sustainable change, partnering with local schools, community centers, and organizations to maximize our impact.With a focus on safety education, mechanical training, and community engagement, we empower children to become confident cyclists while addressing critical health and mobility challenges in underserved neighborhoods. Our social enterprise, the Pedal Station Community Bike Shop, not only expands our programming capabilities but also creates valuable volunteer opportunities that strengthen our community partnerships and ensure long-term sustainability.
Services
Earn-a-bike programs
Pedal Station bike shop
Summer bike camps
Community events
Bike education
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- We offer comprehensive bike education programs proven to reduce injury risks by 85-88% through proper helmet use
- Our social enterprise model funds programs through the Pedal Station Community Bike Shop
- We've established 17 Bike Libraries across Colorado Springs to ensure ongoing bike access
- Our summer camps develop cycling skills while promoting outdoor exploration and trail stewardship
- We partner with 50+ local organizations to create sustainable community impact through bicycling
Services
Earn-a-bike programs
Our Earn-a-bike programs teach children essential cycling skills and bike maintenance while providing them with their own bicycle. Participants learn safe riding practices, basic mechanics, and trail etiquette through structured curriculum. This initiative addresses socioeconomic barriers by providing quality refurbished bikes to children in underserved communities.
Summer bike camps
Our summer camps develop bicycling proficiency and outdoor appreciation through age-appropriate instruction. Children learn mountain biking techniques, trail navigation, and safety protocols while exploring local terrain. Programs cater to various skill levels from beginners learning to ride to advanced riders mastering technical trails.
Pedal Station bike shop
The Pedal Station serves as both a community bike center and social enterprise. We offer refurbished bikes for sale, repair services, and cycling education classes. This facility supports our youth programs through retail operations while providing volunteer opportunities for community members.
Bike libraries
Our Bike Libraries provide ongoing access to bicycles through repurposed shipping container hubs. Partner organizations operate these community centers to run local bike programs and distribute bikes to children in need. This initiative ensures sustained bike availability in underserved neighborhoods.
Community events
We organize community cycling events that promote family participation and neighborhood engagement. Weekly PopCycle rides and annual festivals create opportunities for social connection while encouraging regular physical activity. These events foster community bonds through shared bicycling experiences.
People
Daniel Byrd
Executive Director
Daniel advocates for kids' access to bicycles in Colorado Springs. With a social work background and experience working with youth, he previously started a bike program for homeless youth. He leads Kids on Bikes' mission to create community impact through cycling.
Jessica Verplank
Deputy Director
Jessica promotes women's and kids' cycling participation in Colorado Springs. With mountain bike community experience, she has coached clinics and summer camps. She focuses on expanding bicycling opportunities and community engagement initiatives for the organization.
Aspen Saren
Event and Development Coordinator
Aspen grew up in Colorado Springs and studied Health and Wellness Promotion. After interning with Kids on Bikes, she became Camp Manager before returning to Colorado. She organizes events that connect biking with health benefits for community members of all ages.
Clever Martinez
Velodrome Programming Coach
Clever brings professional cycling experience from Venezuela to Colorado Springs. As a former track and criterium racer, he inspires youth through cycling instruction. He combines racing expertise with community outreach to promote bicycling's life-changing potential.
Jill Martin
Programs Coordinator
Jill transitioned from a 33-year federal career to pursue community impact through biking. An outdoor enthusiast, she coordinates programs that align with Kids on Bikes' mission. Her focus is creating meaningful experiences that empower children through bicycling activities.
Questions
How does Kids on Bikes provide bicycles to children in need?
We offer Earn-a-bike programs, bike libraries, and donation initiatives that provide quality refurbished bicycles to underserved communities.
What types of cycling education do you offer?
We provide bike safety instruction, mechanical training, and riding skills development through structured programs for various age groups.
Are there volunteer opportunities available?
Yes, we welcome volunteers as bike mechanics, program assistants, and event coordinators through our Pedal Station and community programs.
Do you offer summer bike camps for children?
Our summer camps develop cycling skills for ages 2-15, with specialized programs for mountain biking, trail exploration, and beginner riders.
How can I donate a bicycle to the organization?
Bikes can be donated at our Pedal Station location or through partner neighborhood bike shops across Colorado Springs.
What community events do you organize?
We host weekly PopCycle rides, annual bicycle carnivals, and special events that promote family cycling and community engagement.
