League of American Bicyclists Acquires Trips for Kids National in Expansion of its Youth Engagement Work

Trips for Kids National is in the process of completing a transfer of its programs to the League of American Bicyclists. Started 1988, Trips for Kids has built a movement around the principle that young people of all communities, especially those most in need, should be able to experience the transformative nature of bicycling. Through the leadership of its chapters across North America, Trips for Kids has reached more than 230,000 kids over the course of its history. Its programming, which will continue to be offered by Trips for Kids chapters and supported by the League, includes promoting healthy lifestyles and environmental awareness through biking opportunities, bike-related STEM learning curriculum, and personal empowerment with positive adult role models and mentorship. 

“The League is honored to integrate Trips for Kids’ resources into our own and we are thrilled to be able continue supporting the work of Trips for Kids chapters as members of the League’s network of more than 1,000 member organizations,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “We will offer Trips for Kids’ resources through our programming and platforms and we know the experience and expertise of TFK chapters will encourage and inspire more organizations and communities to reach more youth with the life-transforming power of biking and strengthen the movement to make bicycling safe, comfortable, and accessible for all.” 

The League of American Bicyclists is the national grassroots advocacy organization working to build a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. Founded in 1880, the League now counts more than 200,000 members and supporters and over 1,000 state and local advocacy groups and bike clubs as well as thousands of businesses, universities, and communities as part of the movement for better biking. 

“The League’s demonstrated commitment to equity in bicycling is what drew us to them as we considered the future of Trips for Kids National. We share their vision of a nation where everyone, whether they bike or not, recognizes and enjoys the many benefits and opportunities of bicycling and where everyone can experience the joy of bicycling,” said Patricia Gallery, former president and CEO of Trips for Kids National. “With their large national membership and influence, the League is in a unique position to bring youth cycling, education and opportunity to more kids and communities. The Trips for Kids movement is not going away – our momentum is stronger than ever!”

Now member organizations of the League, Trips for Kids chapters will continue to operate as independent organizations aligned with the League’s mission to build a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. 

“The opportunities we are able to offer kids in our communities through Trips for Kids has been life changing for so many young people,” said Charise Stephens, executive director of U Create Macon, a Trips for Kids chapter and an awardee of the League’s Bicycle Friendly Business award. “I’ve seen the impact both Trips for Kids and the League have had in empowering young people through cycling education, advocating for safer roads so everyone can more easily get around, and connecting communities through the joy of bicycling – through combining these efforts, the bike movement is going to grow stronger and larger than ever.”  

“Giant Bicycles, Inc. is excited to see the important programming of Trips for Kids acquired by the League of American Bicyclists so that Trips for Kids chapters may continue to bring the joy of cycling to youth around the country,” Bill Miller, GRA Program Manager at Giant Bicycles USA. “This new structure will help bring the Sprockids program to a larger audience and, of course, we will continue with our ongoing support of Trips for Kids chapters through annual equipment donations.”

Continue following the League of American Bicyclists’ website and social media to learn about the Trips for Kids member organizations, their work on the ground in their communities, and how to support those groups in building a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone.