Trips for Kids is a seemingly limited name for an organization that is using mountain biking in multiple ways to help at-risk youth all around the world. Through the non-profit’s ride and Earn-a-Bike programs, they’ve reached more than 100,000 kids from their home base in Marin County, California to as far away as Israel and Sierra Leone.
The Trips for Kids rides program organizes mountain bike rides for disadvantaged kids, many of whom have limited experience with nature and the outdoors. By combining the thrill of mountain biking with an opportunity to learn about the environment and build confidence, Trips for Kids is using mountain bikes to expand the world for these kids in a really awesome way!
Trips for Kids also runs the Earn-a-Bike program which gives youth the opportunity to earn credits toward their own mountain bike by participating in safety and bike repair lessons. The Marin chapter even operates a bicycle thrift store where many “graduates” of the Earn-a-Bike program are able to put their wrench skills to work.
With over 80 chapters in the US, Canada, and other countries, Trips for Kids is clearly onto something. Check the website to find a local chapter in your area and see how you can get involved, or consider making an online donation to support this incredible group. Also be sure to add your trail and gear reviews to Singletracks this week and we’ll donate $1 per review to Trips for Kids and Wheels 4 Life!
