The positive energy and enthusiasm for bicycles was palpable at the 2024 Youth Bike Summit (YBS) that took place in Allentown, PA from June 14-16. Ride Illinois’ Executive Director, Dave Simmons, attended the youth-focused event to learn from and connect with about 225 adults and young people from across the country. The 2024 YBS was hosted by Community Bike Works – a great organization that “teaches life lessons through bicycles” – and led by the National Youth Bike Council.
The theme of the event was “Youth Lead the Way.” We’re pleased to share this brief recap of our experience. Joining Dave on the road trip from Illinois were two new friends each from West Town Bikes (Justin G and Pablo G) and The Recyclery (Tzippora R and Randy D).
The Illinois group arrived at Muhlenburg College in Allentown (the site of the YBS) at 10pm on Thursday, June 13th after a 13-hour drive. We awoke early on Friday, June 14th to assist the event organizers with registration. As attendees who were borrowing bikes arrived, we helped them choose an appropriately-sized bike that they could use for the weekend. It was a fun way to start the day and get to know the volunteers and organizers!
In the afternoon, several group rides were offered. Some opted for the ride entitled “Slightly Hilly Country Ride with Beautiful Views” and the ride through the Pennsylvania countryside did not disappoint! Others chose a ride to explore some natural sites at one of the best mountain bike destinations in the Lehigh Valley. Heavy rain rolled in and shortened the rides, but didn’t dampen the spirits of YBS attendees. Those who participated in the Slightly Hilly ride sought shelter at a local farm and had an opportunity to visit with some sheep and enjoy some fresh peas before hopping on a bus back to Muhlenberg College. An evening of fun games and good conversation followed.
Saturday began with an inspirational keynote from Randy Neufeld, formerly with the SRAM Cycling Fund, and was followed by a panel discussion with youth leaders from several organizations, including the National Youth Bike Council, Youth Bike America, Phoenix Bikes, and Bikes Not Bombs. Those who are lacking hope for the future should look no further than the amazing young people working in bike advocacy!
Next up were thought-provoking breakout sessions that were offered throughout the morning and afternoon. Some notable sessions included:
A trip (by bike, of course) for a behind the scenes tour of Community Bike Works flagship location was a highlight of the afternoon. The tour included an overview of the bike shop by youth leaders and an explanation of the organization’s programs. The leadership and communication skills that the youth leaders and mentors possess are noteworthy. The youth help craft the programs and classes that Community Bike Works offers, including the Earn-a-Bike program that is completed by 600+ youth each year.
Neufeld, who lived in Allentown for several years during his youth, led us on a tour of the neighborhood – including a stop at the Juneteenth celebration in a Union Terrace Park.
The culmination of the 2024 Youth Bike Summit was ‘The Big Ride’ which departed Muhlenberg College at 10am for a 10-mile ride to SteelStacks – the site of the Bethlehem Steel Plant which is now an amazing event space with the otherworldly and eerie backdrop of a retired steel plant. Nearly 200 adults and youth enjoyed the slow roll which was led by Allentown mayor, Matt Tuerk. The group took to the roads of Allentown and the D&L Canal Trail en masse with passersby honking, waving, and cheering. Few sights are more invigorating and joyful than a group of youth on bikes rolling down the road! Include the tour of the decommissioned steel plant and the final day of the 2024 YBS is one attendees won’t soon forget!
The 2024 YBS culminated with a tasty lunch, a few speeches, and an announcement that the 2025 Youth Bike Summit will take place from May 30 thru June 1 in Boston, MA and will be hosted by Bikes Not Bombs and Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition. The golden handlebars – a ceremonial passing of the YBS torch to the next host organization – was met with hoots and hollers from the adults and youth who were enjoying some sunshine while relaxing on the lawn. It was a great way to end the 2024 YBS and soak up the hope and enthusiasm that the next generation of leaders exude.
The Illinois group drove home after the YBS culminated on Sunday. There was plenty of great discussion and reflections to share to pass time on the 12-hour trip home. New friendships were forged and opportunities for future collaboration were discussed during the drive.
The 2024 Youth Bike Summit was an invigorating experience! Given the strong focus on the young people who will be the leaders of tomorrow, we can’t help but have hope for the future. That future will include more everyday trips by bike in communities of all sizes!
For Ride Illinois, the 2024 YBS was an opportunity to learn, reflect, and make connections. Some initial takeaways that will be incorporated into our advocacy, education, and awareness efforts include:
In summary, the 2024 Youth Bike Summit an eye-opening, meaningful experience to learn from and engage with young people. It was an important event for Ride Illinois to attend. The lessons learned and the connections made will be leveraged to update and develop programs that have an intentional focus on future generations. Youth lead the way!
Contact Dave Simmons at dave@rideillinois.org with questions about Ride Illinois’ experience at the 2024 Youth Bike Summit. Learn about the Youth Bike Summit, including details of the 2025 event, at youthbikesummit.org.
