YBike is dedicated to enriching the lives of students in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) by providing comprehensive bike education programs. From elementary to high school, YBike partners with the SFUSD P.E. department to equip students with the skills and confidence to navigate their city safely on two wheels. The ultimate aim is to empower educators to independently deliver the YBike curriculum, ensuring long-term bike education within schools.
Bike Physical Education (P.E.) Program
The YBike P.E. program is designed to instill essential bike safety, handling, and communication skills in students of all backgrounds and experience levels. Whether a student is a complete beginner or already familiar with biking, the program offers valuable learning opportunities. Participants gain practical skills that foster confidence in riding on city streets, promoting cycling as a healthy and sustainable mode of transportation. A key highlight of the program is a neighborhood bike ride, allowing students to apply their newly acquired skills in a real-world setting, exploring their local community bY Bike.
For SFUSD schools interested in hosting a transformative Bike P.E. program, Genaro Escarzaga, the dedicated YBike P.E. Program Coordinator, can be contacted for detailed information. Discover how to bring this enriching program to your school and empower your students through cycling.
YBike Club: Building Confidence and Community
YBike operates vibrant bike clubs across numerous SFUSD schools, creating supportive environments for students and their families to develop bike riding confidence and competence within San Francisco. These clubs are designed to foster a positive and inclusive group dynamic where young people can connect, challenge themselves, and build lasting relationships through cycling. YBike collaborates closely with each school’s after-school program provider to tailor the Bike Club to the specific needs and interests of the school community, ensuring maximum engagement and impact.
Family Biking Commitment
YBike’s commitment extends beyond the students to their families. Upon successful completion of the Bike Club program, each participating student, along with a parent or guardian, receives a refurbished bicycle, helmet, lock, and bike pump. This ensures that the entire family can embrace cycling, promoting shared experiences and active lifestyles.
Participating Schools and After-School Partners
YBike currently partners with the following schools and after-school providers to deliver its impactful Bike Club program:
- Marina Middle School (YMCA Beacon Program)
- Francisco Middle School (TelHi Beacon Program)
- Denman Middle School (YMCA Beacon Program)
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Academic Middle School (YMCA Beacon Program)
- Mission High School (Mission Graduates)
For schools seeking to establish a YBike Club or for further details about program participation, Malay Khamsyvoravong is the key contact. Reach out to learn how to bring the benefits of YBike Club to your school and empower your students through the joy of cycling.
Girls Riding Club (GRC): Empowering Young Women Through Biking
Program Currently Paused
The Girls Riding Club (GRC), initiated in 2015, was created to encourage greater participation of girls and gender-expansive youth in the world of biking. GRC provided a welcoming space for young women to connect with fellow biking enthusiasts and find inspiration within a supportive peer group. GRC welcomed girls and gender expansive youth to join in on biking adventures!
GRC Participant Requirements:
For those interested in future GRC programs, typical requirements included:
- Enrollment in 4th-9th grade.
- Ability to ride a bike in a straight line.
- Proficient in making controlled turns.
- Comfortable using hand brakes for stopping (pedal/coaster brakes were not suitable).
- Confidence in controlling a bike downhill, including speed management with brakes and keeping feet securely on pedals.
For inquiries regarding the Girls Riding Club and potential future program updates, please contact Malay Khamsyvoravong. Stay informed about the possible return of this empowering program for young women in San Francisco.
