4th Bike Rodeo Gives Away 300th Bike, Welcomes Dignitaries

Watch 6abc's coverage of our event!

If you are among those who have noticed more people riding bikes in Chester, you aren’t imagining things.

Youth Development United has given away over 300 refurbished bikes since launching its cycling initiative in November 2022. Most recently, the program gave away 50 bikes in connection with its 4th Bike Rodeo that took place last Saturday at Eyre Park, with generous support from the Circuit Trails Coalition Community Grant Program, through funding by the William Penn Foundation. The grant supports community organizations, like ours, leading programming and projects #OnTheCircuit along the Circuit Trails, a network of multi-use trails across nine counties in Greater Philadelphia and southern New Jersey.

“There’s more people riding bikes in Chester now. I see it all the time!” exclaimed Barron Lacy, Founder and Executive Director of 9th StreetYouth & Community Center.

Barron was among over a dozen volunteers who graciously helped provide helmet fittings, riding lessons, trail experiences and other elements of the Bike Rodeo to participants. YDU also gratefully recognizes:

  • James Bergman and Patrick Monahan of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and its regional chapter, Bike Delco

  • Emilia Crotty of Pennsylvania Environmental Council / Circuit Trails

  • Phil Morrison and Kim Schmucki, who played major roles in our bike donation collection process

  • Kelly Holcombe and colleagues from Pristine Home Care, who donated 100 helmets to help keep kids safe when riding

  • Mike Minor, a Chester resident who prepared dozens of donated bikes for distribution

  • Swarthmore Recreation Association, who provided free tshirts to all attendees

  • Swarthmore Hardware, who provided free bungee cords to make it easier for raffle winners to transport bikes home in their vehicles

  • Scott Shelley of Sun East

  • Daniel Paschal of East Coast Greenway

  • Alyson Strigle and Mary Ann Sandone of Delaware County Transportation Management Association

  • John Bracken, mountain bike coach with the Delco Revolution

  • UPS team members Edessa Snyder, Hemsley Perez, Michelle Calderone, Daniel Fann and Steven Calderone

  • Swarthmore residents Erin Ewell, Tyler Ewell and Nick Kaplinsky, who helped prepare dozens of donated bikes for distribution

  • Lisa Gaffney, Brittani Hales and colleagues from the Riverfront Alliance of Delaware County

  • Ira Josephs of Friends of the Chester Creek Branch

  • Main Street Elementary educators Yolanda Jackson, Tiaira Butler and Tamia Cottman.

  • Strath Haven High School students Kiera Bergin, Adelyn Davis, Clara Davis, Manny Pickup, Samantha Spector and Jamie Taub

  • Ebone Butler

  • Nadine McHenry

  • Jeremy Loomis

  • Lauren Szymkowski

Cycling wasn’t the only highlight of the day.

Todd Pride, President of Legacy Land & Water Partners, led a fun "dry casting" (land-based) activity that introduced the fun of fishing to attendants. 

Mike Barnard of the Kara Barnard Youth Literacy Fund brought and gave away hundreds of books for youth to bring home, with support from The Community’s Foundation.

Leveling the Playing Field hosted a sports equipment giveaway for children to leave with new equipment.

Also free to all were a bagel breakfast, Duo Taco lunch and fresh fruit provided at a discount by Swarthmore Co-Op.

Additionally, a call to action was announced in support of access to safe outdoor spaces, and covered by news outlets Delco Times, 6ABC and Chester Spirit thanks to efforts by Alyssa Zinar and the Devine+Partners PR team.

At the start of the Bike Rodeo, attending dignitaries Senator John Kane, Chester Mayor Stefan Roots, Delaware County Council Members Elaine Paul Schaefer and Dr. Monica Taylor, and Circuit Trails Coalition Chair Patrick Starr, encouraged attendees to express support for a landmark federal investment of $90 million in Circuit Trails projects. If approved, funding would be applied in part to the Rt. 291 Trail/East Coast Greenway in Chester, which will improve access to the waterfront and other outdoor spaces for residents. 

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) is in a position to finalize the funding as part of its Pennsylvania Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). DVRPC's public comment period is open now through 5 p.m. on June 24, and residents across the region are encouraged to visit CircuitTrails.org/get-involved to learn how they can take action in support of this once-in-a-generation investment.

Youth Development United intends to continue providing programs that encourage enjoyment of outdoor spaces as part of healthy lifestyle choices. Please help support our efforts.

Jeannine Anckaitis