Kids and nature. Kids and bikes. What is more natural than getting a kid on a bike? Bicycling can be a horizon-expanding experience for a young person, giving them a sense of wonder, independence, achievement and fun!
Trips for Kids is the nation’s largest, oldest and most diverse youth development bicycling organization. We have enriched the lives of over 230,000 young people across North America using a simple yet powerful tool – the bicycle. Our first small chapter was started by CNN Hero Marilyn Price in 1988. We have since organically grown to a vast network of chapters offering bicycling programs for 10,000 youth annually throughout the US and Canada. Young people between 10-17 years old, mostly underserved, come to us from neighborhoods, schools, agencies and community organizations. Our Discovery Trail Rides, Adventure Clubs, Earn-a-Bike Workshops and ReCyclery Bike Thrift Shops are helping to combat the physical inactivity crisis, promote equitable access to safe places to play and exercise, provide opportunities for physical activity in and out of school, and build self-esteem, personal skills and learn environmental stewardship, thus mentoring youth to achieve better life outcomes.
On August 1, 2017, we launched a new national parent organization to focus on supporting the growth and refinement of the organization’s existing and future network of independent chapters, improve program quality and grow the movement to get more kids on bikes and into nature.
SINCE 1988…
Founded in San Rafael, California (Marin County) in 1988, social activist and cycling legend Marilyn Price pioneered the practice of bicycle trail riding to deliver lessons in personal responsibility, achievement and environmental awareness through the simple act of having fun.
More than 30 years ago, Marilyn was volunteering at a local food kitchen in San Rafael, California and noticed there were many youth who had never had the opportunity to explore outside of their own neighborhood. She also knew many of them had never been on a bicycle.
Marilyn wrangled up some volunteers, some borrowed mountain bikes and organized a ride up Mount Tamalpais.
That one ride changed not only the kids, but the volunteers and Marilyn. This experience showed the kids that their world was so much bigger than their own neighborhood. Marilyn wanted to do her best to make sure all kids experienced that feeling.
Marilyn created both Trips for Kids Discovery Trail Rides and Adventure Club programs which offer profound new experiences and challenges that can transform attitudes, bolster self-confidence and introduce lifelong values. For some, these rides present pivotal moments of self-discovery that can tip the balance toward healthy lifestyle choices.
The organization expanded dramatically in 1994 with the establishment of ReCyclery Community Bike Shops and Earn-a-Bike Workshops. Our Earn-a-Bike Workshops teach youngsters valuable mechanical, bike riding and life skills in a safe and supportive environment.
By the late 1990’s new Trips for Kids chapters began emerging around the U.S. and Canada, inspired by the success of the flagship Trips for Kids-Marin program.
In 2021, Trips for Kids National will launch the Phase 2 of our new Learn+Earn-a-Bike Online program which is designed to give our chapters who do not have the means to deliver in-person Earn-a-Bike workshops the ability to offer a virtual platform so their youth can also benefit from bicycle ownership.
Still very much a need in communities all across North America, Trips for Kids continues Marilyn’s legacy to change kids’ lives, two wheels at a time.
https://www.tripsforkids.org/about-us
