Vol. 10, Issue 13


 

Our 20-year Vision

Bold plans mean improved bicycling in Chicagoland

Our vision: Youth development connects communities

Our vision: Students walk and bike to school

Our vision: A blanket of bike plans

Our vision: Get in the game

Journey brings advocacy to next level

Outreach brings safe routes to schools, students

Events director takes on future of successful rides

Panic after a crash? Check your list twice

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Our vision: Youth development connects communities

The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation strives to serve the needs of bicycle riders of all ages, locations and backgrounds.

One critical way of meeting that goal is through youth development programs that introduce, strengthen, and facilitate biking in the city and surrounding regions.

Chicagoland Bicycle Federation Community Liaison Keith Holt attests to the benefits of these programs for kids and communities – “Youth development is a tool that helps us work in underserved areas and gives kids an alternative to at-risk behavior. When we connect to communities, bicycling becomes a natural part of that community.”

Community Liaison Adolfo Hernandez speaks with a Kelvyn Park High School student and Go Healthy! participant about adjusting her bike.

Eventually Chicagoland Bicycle Federation envisions a region where 10 youth development programs are in place throughout Chicago and the suburbs. Part of this vision is expanding existing programs.

Youth programs like Bickerbikes, Blackstone Bicycle Works and the Chicago Department of Transportation’s After School Matters work to empower youth through bicycling.

Another part of the plan is to continue to work with agencies like the Department of Transportation and the Park District and to establish partnerships in many neighborhoods. Community partners and participation are critical to our goal of serving more bikers, especially youth and those in underserved communities.