On Sunday, August 30, the Philadelphia Cycling Classic returned to the city for the first time since 2016. A 14.4-mile circuit off the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. A 17% grade on Levering Street that riders have called the “Manayunk Wall” since 1985. Equal purses of $75,000 for the women's and men's fields.

Five of the women on that start line ride for KRT QRT, a club founded in Northwest Philadelphia seven years ago by riders who had never raced anything. They lined up in a field that included Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) World Tour teams.

The results of the race is not the point of this story.

"No matter the results, being out there was a great opportunity for our program,” said Curran Swint, founder and owner of KRT QRT. “It opens us up to more invites, more sponsorships, and more opportunities for what we're trying to do in cycling and in women's sports."

Everything Below This Line, I Learned on a Bike

Curran Swint and I did not sit down for this interview. We rode.

I should say up front that being in Philadelphia was not a neutral assignment for me. I lived here until 2011. I met my wife here where we both became part of this vibrant cycling community. Our house sat just two blocks from the top of the Manayunk Wall. 

When I left the city, the race was still running and KRT QRT did not exist. Both of those facts have since reversed.

Swint showed me a Philadelphia I thought I knew. He met me at Volo Coffee with the route already in his head, and for the next two hours he pointed out the streets where he learned to ride and the connections that did not exist when he started — or when I lived here. 

Partway through, we stopped at Rowhome Coffee for lunch and ordered sandwiches on Philly soft pretzels — the correct way to eat in this city — and kept talking.

You learn different things about a person on a bike than you do across a table. What they point at. When they stop talking on a climb and when they don't. Who they wave to.

Swint was not a cyclist. In 2017, at Wild Styles Barbershop in Germantown, he noticed a barber who looked different than a few months earlier. The barber told him he had started riding a bike.

Swint borrowed a bike and a helmet from his brother and started showing up to Kelly Drive on Sundays with friends from the shop. Four riders soon became nine. In 2019, the group rode Ben to the Shore — 65 miles from Philadelphia to Atlantic City — raised money for uniforms, and became a team. That fall, Swint reconnected with Henry Wallace to build the organization.

KRT is Kings Rule Together. QRT is Queens Rule Together, formed to serve women riders who were not seeing themselves represented anywhere else in the sport. The club is now home to hundreds of members across 25 states and five countries.

KRT QRT's racing program fields more than 30 competitive members, Category 5 through Category 1, men and women, across nine states and Washington, D.C. They race road, criterium, track, and cyclocross. The pro women's program is about two years old.

That geographic spread would fracture most volunteer clubs. But KRT QRT holds it together with structure that most clubs do not build — and with a piece of hospitality that has nothing to do with bikes.

"Cookouts, barbecues, celebrations — that all comes from my culture. I always want people to feel like they're welcome, like they're home, like they're family. So it just became natural,” said Swint. “Anytime you come to our tent, it's a communal tent. You want something to drink out of the cooler? You want to sit down? I know how it feels to go somewhere and it's hot out and you don't know anybody. You never know what kind of day somebody will have. So you just be kind, and you open it up."

The practice of gathering as an act of joy is a durable tradition in Black communities, one that’s been documented as a form of care and continuity, not just recreation. Swint brought it to bike racing, a sport often organized around the opposite instinct: arrive, warm up, race, leave.

It converts. Swint described what happened at a race over the weekend.

"One of the guys I work with, Hector, invited some people out,” Swint said. “They came in regular clothes one day. The next day they were all dripped out in KRT racing gear."

That is the entire participation funnel, and it cost the price of a cooler.

Most cycling clubs are organized around a ride. KRT QRT is organized around a membership, with the bike ride being one of member benefits.

The club outgrew Instagram years ago. It runs on a members-only Slack workspace now — a general channel, a women's channel, a Kings channel, channels for events, and a channel for every hub: Philly, North Carolina, Virginia Beach.

"As we got more members, we needed somewhere that could hold everybody. Slack keeps everything in one place. It also keeps the membership exclusive — early releases, things everybody isn't privy to,” said Swint. “People sell merchandise, put out training plans, sell off old wheels or a groupset, plan a trip. It's an open opportunity for people to do business with each other instead of going somewhere else."

A member traveling for work can find a group ride before they land. Members sell each other equipment, coach each other, and plan trips together inside a channel operated by the club.

This was the part I did not understand until I was on the bike with him. Swint does not talk about KRT QRT the way other club presidents talk about their clubs. He talks about it the way someone talks about people he is responsible for.

Participation Data Proves This Is the Work

PeopleForBikes has long been examining who rides and why, and the findings point to exactly what KRT QRT excels at.

A record 112 million Americans — 35% of people ages 3 and older — rode a bike at least once in 2024, the highest participation rate since the study began in 2014. Participation has grown 14% since 2016, outpacing U.S. population growth by more than threefold.

That growth is coming from casual riders. People who ride twice a month or less grew from 53% of participants in 2016 to 60% in 2024. More than two-thirds of them say they want to ride more than they currently do.

That is the gap. Millions of Americans have a bike, have interest, but are not riding. Safe places to ride addresses part of the gap — 53% of riders in the 2024 study reported worrying about being hit by a car. But infrastructure does not answer the other question a new rider asks, which is whether anyone will be glad to see them show up.

A club answers that side of the gap. And once someone is in, KRT QRT gives them somewhere to go.

"We have a pipeline,” said Swint. “You may not get a call from those other programs. But hey — you might fit our system a little better, and we're a local team where you can actually see yourself."

Swint was a casual rider in 2017. He is now sending a team to a UCI-sanctioned race. That is the kind of conversion the bike industry is desperately looking for.

Philadelphia Crossed the Line That Matters

Philadelphia scored 54 in PeopleForBikes’ 2026 City Ratings. The average score across all rated U.S. cities in 2026 was 36.

That 54 matters for a specific reason. According to the 2026 City Ratings summary report, a score of 50 is the point at which a city's low-stress network — bike infrastructure suitable for people of all ages and abilities — becomes connected enough to generate real momentum toward broader bikeability. Below 50, riders hit gaps that end trips. Above 50, the network starts compounding: more accessible destinations, more riders, and more support for the next project.

In 2026, 555 U.S. cities scored 50 or above, up from 234 in 2025. Of those 555 cities, 231 crossed the threshold for the first time.

Philadelphia's subscores show where the work is: the city’s retail access scores 71, while recreation (47), core services (48), opportunity (48), and transit (49) all sit below the connected mark. The city ranks 437th of 3,019 U.S. cities.

I saw what that score of 54 meant from the saddle. Swint kept pointing at things — a lane here, a connection there — that did not exist when he started riding in 2017.

I have a longer baseline than he does. Philadelphia was already a serious bike city in 2011, but I rode routes on this trip that I would not have chosen back then, on streets I used to avoid. That is what a score above 50 looks like from a bike: not just a single new lane, but an entire route that’s safe to ride.

Philadelphia now has both halves of the equation: a network above the tipping point, and a community organized to get people onto it.

Swint did not describe the Philadelphia Cycling Classic in terms of results. He described a room.

"It really hit me at the managers meeting. I was one of the few people of color in the room, representing not just my hometown but up-and-coming riders in general,” Swint said. “Being on this level was never technically a goal. But it felt good to be in that room, in that conversation — and to open those doors for other people."

"People came up to me. They came up to the team. It was all love. A lot of teams, you hear about them, you see them, but you don't know how they came about. You don't see their upbringing, their makeup. You may not even know the owner. People knew who we were. Even if they don't follow us, they recognize the brand, the colors, the crowns."

When the Cycling Classic Came Back to Philadelphia, It Found Something New

After more than a decade of work, the Better Bike Share Partnership (BBSP) is winding down due to a lack of funding. However, the work it helped spark is far from finished. The ideas, partnerships, and practices it championed continue to shape more accessible and inclusive shared mobility systems across America.

Since 2014, BBSP has reshaped the shared micromobility field by increasing equitable access, strengthening community partnerships, and creating lasting systems change. Together with its partners and grantees, BBSP built the foundation for equity in shared micromobility. This work would not have been possible without the sustained partnership and support of the Freedom Together Foundation, whose investment helped communities across the country test new ideas, expand access, and strengthen shared mobility systems.

Through 125 grants across 59 U.S. cities, BBSP helped communities pilot ideas, launch programs, and demonstrate how shared mobility systems can better serve more people.

The true legacy of BBSP is not just in its programs, but in the network of leaders and practitioners it strengthened across the country. BBSP created a collaborative community where cities, nonprofits, operators, and advocates could share ideas, learn from one another, and improve how shared mobility systems serve their communities. BBSP also developed and supported a new generation of transportation leaders from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences through initiatives like the Transportation Justice Fellowship, which built community and skills among 43 early- and mid-career people of color working to embed mobility justice in transportation systems.

When BBSP launched in 2014, equitable access was not yet a central focus of many shared mobility systems. Today, it is a defining feature of the industry. Discount programs, non-smartphone access, and more-equitable program design are now standard practice across most systems. Through targeted investments like mini-grants, thousands of new riders from underserved and socially vulnerable communities have been welcomed into shared mobility — demonstrating that when barriers are removed, participation grows.

Over the past decade, BBSP supported a period of significant growth and transformation across the shared mobility field in North America:

Growth in annual shared micromobility trips from 157 million in 2019 to more than 225 million trips in 2024.

Evolution from dock-based bike share systems to include dockless e-bikes, scooters, and charging infrastructure.

Reductions to barriers to bicycling for communities of color and increased visibility into what cycling is and who rides.

Expansion from pilot programs concentrated in downtown cores to broader transportation networks serving underserved communities.

Equity and accessibility became central to system design and operations.

Relationships strengthened between system owners, operators, and cities through the launch of the North American Bikeshare and Scootershare Association (NABSA).

Over time, the work of BBSP evolved from individual pilots to shaping long-term policy and systems change. BBSP moved the shared mobility field beyond a “build it and they will come” mindset toward more intentional, community-informed system design. Initiatives like the Living Lab program embodied this shift, supporting deeper, longer-term partnerships that allowed organizations to adapt, innovate, and lead. By investing in long-term relationships and creating space for honest dialogue, BBSP gave organizations the stability to test ideas, share lessons, and pursue lasting change.

After 12 years of impact, BBSP is concluding with a stronger field, stronger partnerships, and a stronger foundation for the future. The capacity, knowledge, and leadership cultivated through this work will continue to shape the field for years to come. Organizations across the country are now better equipped with the data, tools, and confidence to advance equitable shared mobility.

The impact of BBSP will continue through the leaders, organizations, and communities carrying this work forward. As national leaders in shared mobility and transportation, PeopleForBikes, the City of Philadelphia, NACTO, and NABSA remain committed to collaborating and pursuing new opportunities to support innovation, expand access, and strengthen transportation networks in communities across the country.

"Cities and transportation practitioners across North America have been challenged, supported, and encouraged by the Better Bike Share Partnership," shared Ryan Russo, executive director of NACTO. "By developing best practice publications, enabling peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, and catalyzing leadership among people of color, BBSP's work will continue to impact our field and result in more just transportation systems in cities coast to coast."

“One of the most important things BBSP demonstrated is that when communities have the tools, partnerships, and support to make bike networks work for more people, participation grows,” said Jenn Dice, president and CEO of PeopleForBikes. “This partnership scaled ideas that were once experimental into everyday practice across the U.S., proving that community-driven innovation can create lasting impact. That progress will continue to shape the future of transportation and recreation as communities grow and evolve.”

“The Better Bike Share Partnership has played an integral role in moving the shared micromobility industry forward,” said Sam Herr, executive director of the North American Bikeshare and Scootershare Association (NABSA). “By supporting innovation in the field toward equitable access to micromobility options, BBSP has ensured that equity is a core piece of shared micromobility planning and operations in programs across North America.” 

“BBSP has played a critical role in the fundamental transformation of shared micromobility by helping cities address systemic and institutional barriers to access for low-income and BIPOC communities. Through funding, research, and technical assistance, BBSP has supported cities in testing new ideas, developing strategies, and learning from one another,” said Waffiyyah Murray, Indego program manager at the City of Philadelphia. “As a result, the shared micromobility industry has evolved to a place where equity is at the center of system design and operations, not as an afterthought, but as a core principle. That shift is in large part due to BBSP’s leadership and sustained investment in this work.” 

“In 2014, BBSP partners came together to create a one-of-a-kind collaborative focused on creating equitable access to bike share systems. This meant implementing programs to break down barriers for communities of color and low-income communities,” said  Tangier Barnes Wright, deputy director of shared micromobility at PeopleForBikes. “After 12 years, the Better Bike Share Partnership can proudly say we achieved our goal. But the work is not done. BBSP has helped build a network of practitioners who will continue to carry out this work.”

National Association of  City Transportation Officials

North American Bikeshare Scootershare Association

PeopleForBikes creates a prominent place for bikes in recreation and mobility decisions at all levels of government. Through their three areas of influence — infrastructure, policy, and participation — PeopleForBikes ensures bikes are prioritized and positioned as a real solution to improve Americans’ health, connect communities, boost local and state economies, strengthen our nation, and protect our planet. 

The City of Philadelphia Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS) drives change through Philadelphia’s transportation and infrastructure. Leading a group of departments and divisions that includes the Indego Bike Share Program, Office of Multimodal Planning, which manages many initiatives of the City’s Complete Streets Program, Vision Zero PHL, and more. OTIS also works with local and national organizations to advance the City’s interests. Through its policies and programs, providing cost-effective, quality services with a focus on residents.

The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) is an association of North American cities and transit agencies formed to exchange transportation ideas, insights, and best practices and cooperatively approach national transportation issues. They are connecting and mobilizing North American cities and transit agencies toward safe, sustainable, and accessible transportation.

The North American Bikeshare and Scootershare Association (NABSA) provides resources, education, and advocacy for the shared micromobility industry, and creates spaces for the industry’s public, private, and nonprofit sectors to convene and empower one another. They collaborate across sectors to grow shared micromobility and its benefits to communities, creating a more accessible and sustainable transportation ecosystem.

Celebrating 12 Years of the Better Bike Share Partnership

Due to a pandemic-related bike sales boom and ever-improving infrastructure, demand for bicycles for Americans is at an all-time high. While PeopleForBikes research shows that more than 50% of Americans (171 million) own or have access to their own bike, new ways to access bicycling are on the upswing outside of purchasing from a local bike shop, mass retailer, or online.

Bike share programs continue to grow every year, with bikes available on a cost-per-use basis. There are also new bike leasing programs for adults as well as youth-focused programs that provide bikes for kids in need. These types of efforts are part of a broader ecosystem of organizations working to expand access and create pathways for more adults and kids to get on bikes.

Outside of those core programs, there is a lesser-known approach that’s doing great work to make bikes accessible to underrepresented and low-income populations: bike libraries.

To learn more about how bike libraries function and what populations they serve, we checked in with the Bike Library in Iowa City, Iowa. Executive Director Audrey Wiedemeier explained their core services for local cyclists and how they generate momentum and funding to keep serving and growing the local biking community.

“The Iowa City Bike Library is a volunteer-powered, nonprofit community bike shop that has become a critical space for skill-sharing, social connection, and grassroots mobility justice,” says Wiedemeier. “The concept is simple: teach people how to ride, accept donated bikes, repair them, and get as many bikes back into the community at low or no cost.”

The organization is now in its 22nd year, with Wiedemeier at the helm since 2018. “Every day when we open the doors, we show that people working together at a local scale can meaningfully address big problems like inequality, climate change, and loneliness,” she says.

The library concept is as simple as it is ingenious. From the stock of fully dialed and ready-to-ride bikes, a renter picks one they like, puts down a deposit equivalent to the bike’s value (usually $200–400), and rides the bike for six months. Upon return, they get their deposit back less $50 with an option to purchase the bike. About 85% of riders end up keeping the bike they originally checked out.

Wiedemeier’s observations on the state of the bicycle marketplace are made from the perspective of her growing segment. “While the number of traditional bike shops and department store bike sales have declined for decades, access to bicycling is up,” she noted. “Due to increasing economic pressures, low-income and marginalized groups can't always afford to shop at traditional local bike shops. Community Bike Organizations (CBOs) is a bike shop model that’s growing up through the cracks and getting more people on bikes.”

The Bike Library is relatively large as CBOs go. With a $369,000 annual operating budget growing 10% a year and a full-time staff of six with 200 volunteers, it’s a substantial operation governed by a board of 11 directors.

Ryan Baker is one such board member, who also owns and operates World of Bikes, Iowa City’s largest commercial shop. Unlike some shops that consider CBOs competition for sales, Baker sees the collaboration as an opportunity.

“We try to donate usable items that we can no longer sell, like repair takeoff parts, aged inventory, items from staff parts bins, and occasional abandoned bikes from the service department that we would rather let the Bike Library have than try to sell ourselves,” Baker says. “We also will partner with the Bike Library for youth events where we prepare some of our trade-ins for giveaways to kids in need.”

Because of the cost of new bikes (now about three times the price of a similar used bike), Baker doesn’t see the Bike Library as competition and often refers people there. “We understand that the bikes we sell are either not in someone's budget or the buyers are not willing to make the investment in something new,” Baker says. “We feel secure that the Bike Library has gone through the necessary processes to provide safe and reliable bikes at lower price points.”

Baker has great advice for commercial shops and CBOs seeking partnership. “Reach out and have coffee! Figure out how to work together to get more people on bikes. Be a donation drop-off point. Give positive referrals to each other. Partner on events. Simply being present together will attract new customers.”

Wiedemeier’s passion for the shop and its staff and patrons is inspiring to all. “Whether it’s flying along a trail with new friends, getting your gears shifting smoothly again, or grooving at our Bike-in Beats annual concert, the Bike Library offers embodied experiences that generate a sense of possibility and excitement for the future,” she says.

Models like bike libraries show how local solutions can play a critical role in getting more people on bikes. When paired with youth programming, community engagement, and investments in safe, connected infrastructure, they become part of a broader effort to grow ridership and build lifelong riders.

Bike Libraries Increase Bicycle Access for All

At PeopleForBikes, we believe that when communities and the bike industry work together, big things happen. In Payson, Arizona, a powerful partnership between national brands, local champions, and a committed nonprofit created a thriving model for youth cycling and community recreation that can be replicated in towns across the country.

Payson’s story began as a spark from local leaders and Wheel Fun, a local nonprofit with a mission to create community, improve mental and physical health, and cultivate a love for the outdoors for underserved rural Arizona youth through free mountain biking programs. It soon evolved into a district-wide cycling ecosystem, complete with bike clubs, school-based classes, a flagship skills park, and hands-on technical career training. At every step, industry leaders from SRAM, Trek, Shimano, Giant, and Outride worked alongside educators and local visionaries to build something truly special.

The Payson Unified School District is quickly becoming a national leader in school-based cycling programs, with its rapid growth fueled by Wheel Fun, which operates more than 48 after-school bike programs across Arizona. In 2022, Wheel Fun expanded its mission by building bike skills parks directly on school properties. Their fourth project included the Longhorn Bike Skills Park at Rim Country Middle School (RCMS) in Payson, which opened in April 2024, the first of its kind in Gila County.

Sponsored by the Trek Foundation, the Longhorn Bike Skills Park was designed with progression at its core. Its 2,500 linear feet of trails weave through natural terrain, offering climbing lines, beginner and intermediate features, a skills area, and a pump track. Riders can practice berms, kickers, skinnies, and other foundational mountain bike skills in a controlled environment built for safety and growth. Built entirely with donated funds, the park also serves as a community amenity accessible to all when school is not in session — another intentional design choice to support residents, families, and riders of all ages.

Now, the Trek Trails at the bike park are only one part of Payson’s larger cycling movement. Thanks to industry support in the form of bicycles provided by Trek, Giant, and Specialized, alongside Wheel Fun’s ongoing support and curriculum, the Payson School District now offers:

Outdoor Adventure Club, sponsored by Wheel Fun, introduces students to trails, teamwork, and safe riding.

An Outride Riding for Focus program integrated directly into PE programming, giving even more students access to bicycles and structured riding.

A new Adventure Education class, where students build skills on bikes and learn outdoor fundamentals like orienteering.

Project Bike Tech, introduced at the high school level, provides hands-on bicycle repair and career training, supported by numerous industry partners.

A new Elementary School Bike Club at Julia Randall Elementary, launched by Wheel Fun, provides bikes, helmets, and gear and offers 3rd–5th grade students trail rides from campus, structured skills development, and regular rides to the Longhorn Bike Park, ensuring early, barrier-free access to cycling.

A growing NICA program with the Payson School District is expanding competitive youth mountain biking opportunities.

With these new courses and offerings, enrollment continues to grow, with more than 55 students expected to complete the course in its first year. Additionally, Wheel Fun’s student surveys show measurable improvements in fitness, focus, confidence, and overall well-being. Nearly 70% of participating students said they “strongly” want to return next year.

When the district lacked funding for an instructor for the Project Bike Tech program, Wheel Fun stepped in again — hiring local mechanic Mac Vorce and sending him to Colorado Springs for formal training. The program is already paying dividends. As students gain real-world technical experience, the school saves an estimated $1,500 per semester by repairing its bikes in-house, and graduates can earn a certificate qualifying them as official bike technicians — a significant step in a town with no bike shop, making Project Bike Tech an especially instrumental addition.

Payson’s progress shows what’s possible when the bike industry invests in community-led efforts. SRAM, Trek, Shimano, Giant, and Outride didn’t just write checks — they helped build programs, troubleshoot challenges, and stay engaged as true partners. Local leaders and educators provided the vision. Wheel Fun brought expertise and consistency. Together, they created a sustainable recreation ecosystem that benefits the entire community.

Payson’s story is more than a local success — it’s a roadmap. When the industry shows up, collaborates, and invests in the places where people live, ride, and learn, we can create meaningful access to recreation for every child in every community nationwide.

The future of bicycling starts in your own backyard.

Own Your Backyard: How Industry Partnerships Transformed Youth Cycling in Payson, Arizona

What do Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands have in common?

It’s not endless sunshine or mild winters (sorry, Finland).

It’s bikes — and safe and connected places to ride!

These countries consistently top global happiness rankings, and they’re also some of the most bike-friendly places on Earth. Connected bike lanes, safe streets, and trails weave through communities, giving millions of people the choice to ride for fun, for fitness, and to get where they need to go.

At TEDxFargo, PeopleForBikes President and CEO Jenn Dice took the stage to share how the humble bicycle can transform not just how we move, but how we feel. In her talk, “The Secret Behind Happy Communities,” Jenn explored what happens when we design places that make it easy and joyful to ride a bike.

The Secret Behind Happy Communities | Jenn Dice | TEDxFargo

Jenn’s message is simple and hopeful — bikes make people and the places they live happier. From boosting mental health to building social connection, research shows that riding a bike naturally lifts your mood, reduces stress, and gets you moving outdoors.

As Jenn puts it, “When you pedal through your neighborhood, you get the chance to clear your head, breathe fresh air, and connect with the world around you.”

And it’s not just about exercise. Every ride is a chance to see a neighbor, wave to a friend, and feel more rooted in your community.

Across the U.S., more communities are realizing the power of the bike. From Bentonville to Bloomington, Minneapolis to Fargo, cities are investing in protected bike lanes, greenways, and trails that make it easier and safer to ride.

In just the last three years, more than 1,000 bike projects have been completed or are nearly finished. Plus, 112 million Americans got out and rode last year. That momentum is real, and it’s growing.

For Jenn, the joy of cycling started early. You could find her riding around her small South Dakota town until dusk. As an adult, she discovered mountain biking and ultra-endurance races in Colorado. That lifelong love of bikes led her to PeopleForBikes, where she now leads a team dedicated to making the U.S. the best place in the world to ride.

Her TEDx talk is a reminder that the road to happier, healthier communities isn’t complicated. It starts with small choices, like hopping on a bike for a short trip, encouraging a child to ride to school, or supporting local efforts to build safer infrastructure.

As Jenn says, “Let’s take a page from the world’s happiest nations. Let’s reimagine our neighborhoods and embrace biking — not just as transportation, but as a path to the kind of places we all want to live in.”

Let’s build a world where we can all arrive happy.

You can support better biking in your community and hundreds of others nationwide by becoming a PeopleForBikes Foundation member. Join us today.

Each year, thousands of riders descend on the desert city of Tucson, Arizona, for one of America’s most iconic cycling events: El Tour de Tucson. In 2025, more than 11,000 participants took part, a clear sign that events like these aren’t just surviving, they’re thriving. Even more compelling, nearly 60% of riders were new to the event, underscoring how mass-participation rides are driving growth by inviting new people into the joy of bicycling.

“We’re seeing incredible momentum. It’s a sign that people are not only riding more, they’re craving community and challenge," said T.J. Juskiewicz, executive director of El Tour de Tucson. “Events like El Tour are more than races — they’re economic drivers, charitable engines, and invitations to ride for a cause. That’s why we’re seeing families, first-timers, and pros line up together.”

Events That Build the Participation Flywheel

PeopleForBikes’ recent blog series on ridership trends highlights the need to focus on converting casual interest into lasting participation. Events like El Tour de Tucson are doing just that, creating moments that spark a deeper connection with bicycling and the broader bike community.

This year’s event welcomed riders from 49 states and 12 countries. Gender and age breakdowns show the ride is truly intergenerational and inclusive, with a strong turnout among women and riders over 50. As we noted in our blog, these are exactly the kinds of riders that can transform the long-term health of bicycling if we nurture their experiences beyond one-time events.

El Tour is also an on-ramp for people inspired by platforms like Peloton. Former pro cyclist and current Peloton instructor Christian Vande Velde was in Tucson for a pre-ride event, drawing fans who first connected with him virtually but then showed up in person to participate. It’s a clear example of how digital cycling platforms can be a bridge to outdoor riding and real-world connections.

“It was amazing meeting riders who told me they started with Peloton and came to Tucson to experience their first real group ride. That’s what cycling can do. It builds confidence, changes lives, and brings people together,” said Vande Velde. “I’ve raced around the world, but nothing compares to the energy of 11,000 people riding for something bigger than themselves.”

For nearly 40 years, El Tour has been a mainstay in Tucson’s cultural and economic calendar. In addition to offering ride distances for all ages and abilities, from the 102-mile flagship ride to shorter, family-friendly routes, the event serves as an entry point for new cyclists, a reunion for seasoned riders, and a celebration of mobility, fitness, and fun. This year’s ride welcomed participants of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels:

This kind of accessibility is critical for growing the base of casual riders, a key theme in our work at PeopleForBikes.

The story doesn’t end with participation. El Tour is one of Tucson’s largest tourism draws and economic engines, often cited as the city's second-largest economic driver behind the Tucson Gem Show. Riders, families, vendors, and sponsors bring millions in local revenue, and that’s before you count the ripple effect on bike shops, restaurants, and hotels.

This ties directly to our blog, Where People Ride Bikes, People Buy Bikes, which shows how strong participation creates meaningful returns for local economies. When cities invest in events and infrastructure that welcome riders of all abilities, everyone benefits — businesses, communities, riders, and more.

As cities across the U.S. look to grow participation and reap the rewards of active transportation, El Tour de Tucson offers a replicable playbook:

Create a welcoming, inclusive ride experience

Invest in safe and scenic routes for year-round riding

Partner with schools, nonprofits, and businesses to drive local involvement

Build cross-sector support from public health, economic development, and tourism partners

Participation numbers tell one story. The real magic is in what happens afterward. El Tour builds habits, confidence, and a sense of belonging that stays with people long after they cross the finish line. Events like these don’t just drive single-day activity, they fuel the long-term success of the bicycle industry and healthier, more connected communities nationwide.

Riding Together: How El Tour de Tucson Boosts Participation, Community, and the Local Economy

Topics

First Time Bikers

PeopleForBikes at Work on First Time Bikers

News

When the Cycling Classic Came Back to Philadelphia, It Found Something New

Celebrating 12 Years of the Better Bike Share Partnership

Bike Libraries Increase Bicycle Access for All

Own Your Backyard: How Industry Partnerships Transformed Youth Cycling in Payson, Arizona

The Secret Behind Happy Communities

Riding Together: How El Tour de Tucson Boosts Participation, Community, and the Local Economy