YDU Partners with Chester Eastside to Open New Bike Library

Youth Development United is committed to increasing access to cycling for the Greater Chester community. Cycling is a life sport for all ages, providing ongoing health benefits as well as serving as an environmentally friendly transportation option.

Chester native and bike mechanic Mike Minor, shown tuning one of over 200 bikes distributed into the community, has been an invaluable partner in YDU’s cycling initiative.

Through its Bike Rodeos, YDU has collected, repaired, and distributed well over 200 bicycles and helmets. Additionally, the events include riding lessons and bike safety instruction as well as healthy meals and free tshirts for all participants.

YDU is also helping to establish Bike Libraries where the community can temporarily borrow and enjoy bicycles. Its latest partner in this effort is Chester Eastside, Inc.

Whitney Wright, CEI’s Director of Education, stated, "In a welcome addition to our long established out-of-school program, we will be faciliating a bike library to provide a safe space for students to socialize and build their perceptual-motor skills. Academically focused programs are important to youth development but so are non academically focused programming. Chester Eastside, Inc. appreciate and values both." 

Youth Development United’s efforts in this area have been bolstered by the support of many volunteers and organizations who have helped increase access to cycling. Very special thanks go to James Bergman, Emilia Crotty, Erin and Tyler Ewell, Nick Kaplinsky, Mike Minor, Marty and Meredith Molloy, Patrick Monahan, Swarthmore Recreation Association and Swarthmore Hardware, whose ongoing support has been invaluable.

The 2023 bike rodeos were supported by the Circuit Trails Coalition Community Grant Program, funded by the William Penn Foundation and administered by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC). The Circuit Trails is a vast regional network of hundreds of miles of multi-use trails across nine counties in Greater Philadelphia and southern New Jersey. The trail network, which will cover 800 miles once complete, connects urban, suburban, and rural communities, providing endless opportunities for recreation, relaxing, and commuting.