Trips for Kids

Overview

Trips for Kids is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing youth, especially from under-resourced communities, with opportunities to engage in mountain biking, environmental education, and bicycle mechanics. The organization supports physical, emotional, and intellectual development by fostering connections with nature and promoting healthy lifestyles.

History

Trips for Kids was founded in 1988 in Marin County, California, by Marilyn Price, a social activist and environmentalist. The organization quickly expanded beyond California, establishing chapters across North America. By 2017, it had grown to include over 75 chapters in the United States and Canada[1]. The movement was inspired by the transformative power of bicycles to teach personal responsibility and environmental awareness through hands-on skills development.

Programs and Mission

Trips for Kids operates a variety of programs designed to introduce children to the joys of biking, promote environmental stewardship, and build lifelong healthy habits. Key programs include:

• Discovery Trail Rides Program: Educational rides that combine outdoor exploration with environmental lessons.
• Adventure Ride Clubs: Ongoing ride groups that foster community and skill development among youth.
• Earn-a-Bike Workshops: Programs where participants learn bike mechanics and earn their own bike by completing a series of tasks.
• Mobile Bike Clinics: Outreach programs providing bike maintenance and cycling education in local communities.
• Recycled Bike Shops: Chapters operating thrift shops that refurbish and sell donated bicycles to support local communities[1][2].

The organization's mission is to empower all children to experience the freedom and joy of cycling, regardless of socioeconomic status or access barriers. It aims to create healthy communities by bridging gaps in cycling opportunities and promoting environmental awareness[4].

Expansion and Support

In 2017, Trips for Kids established a national umbrella organization to coordinate efforts across its chapters, improve program quality, and expand outreach[1]. This structure allows for better resource allocation and support for member sites. In recent years, the League of American Bicyclists has played a significant role in supporting Trips for Kids, further expanding its reach through advocacy and resources[3][4].

Impact

Trips for Kids has served over 230,000 children with its programs, fostering a community of young cyclists who benefit from physical activity, social interaction, and environmental education. The organization continues to grow, inspired by its guiding principles of fostering healthy kids, communities, and environments[3][4]. Chapters like Trips for Kids Metro New York also provide additional services such as race teams and learn-to-ride programs, catering to a wide range of skill levels and age groups[5]. Despite the specific EIN and web reference provided, the broader Trips for Kids organization encompasses a national network of chapters with similar mission and goals.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trips_for_Kids [2] https://www.tripsforkidsbayarea.org/who-we-are.html [3] https://www.tripsforkids.org [4] https://bikeleague.org/join/trips-for-kids/ [5] https://www.tripsforkids.nyc