Youth & Family

YBike San Francisco

Kids San Francisco
Our work is about bringing people and communities together through the power of bikes. We believe that all kids should have access to bikes and safe places to ride.
A group of people ride bicycles on a painted pavement in a schoolyard, navigating through a series of cones and chalk lines. The scene includes a large mural on one of the walls.

Remember that freedom and independence you felt the first time you rode a bike?

YBike began in 2002 when a Presidio YMCA member volunteered to teach kids how to ride bikes. This program has expanded into a series of youth bike initiatives. We primarily work in partnership with the San Francisco Unified School District, the Y of San Francisco, and after school program providers. YBike engages thousands of youth each year, transforming San Francisco youth into skilled bicyclists and confident young adults.

Bike P.E.

YBike’s physical education program partners with the SFUSD P.E. department to provide bike education for elementary through high school-age students. The goal is to teach students how to ride safely through their city and to train PE teachers to implement the curriculum on their own.

In this program students learn basic bike safety, handling, and communication skills, giving them the confidence they need to navigate city streets. All students are welcome regardless of their past biking experience or ability. For the culminating event, students go on a bike ride through the school’s surrounding neighborhood.

If you are curious about what is involved in hosting a Bike P.E. program at your SFUSD school, contact our YBike P.E. Program coordinator, Genaro Escarzaga.

Bike Club

YBike operates bike clubs at a number of SFUSD schools. The goal of our Bike Club is to support students and their families in gaining confidence and competence in riding a bike in San Francisco. We aim to foster a positive and supportive group environment for youth to connect with each other and challenge themselves. To best respond to the needs and interests of each school community, we work with each school’s after-school provider in long-term partnerships to design and implement our programs.

Our Commitment to Family Biking

Upon completion of the program, each student and a parent or guardian will take home a refurbished bike, helmet, lock, and bike pump.

Our Current Schools and After-School Providers

  • Marina Middle School (YMCA Beacon Program)
  • Francisco Middle School (TelHi Beacon Program)
  • Denman Middle School (YMCA Beacon Program)
  • Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Academic Middle School (YMCA Beacon Program)
  • Mission High School (Mission Graduates)

For more information, please contact Malay Khamsyvoravong.

Girls Riding Club (GRC)

This program is currently on pause.

Girls Riding Club began in 2015 with the purpose of getting more girls* riding and exploring the great world of bikes. It’s a chance to meet other enthusiastic bikers and be inspired by other girls*. *GRC welcomes girls and gender expansive youth to join us on our adventures!

Registrants must be:

  • In 4th-9th grade able to ride in a straight line
  • Able to make a controlled turn comfortable using HAND brakes to stop (no pedal/coaster brakes)
  • Comfortable controlling a bike downhill (able to control speed using brakes & can keep feet on pedals)

For more information, please contact Malay Khamsyvoravong.

Safe Routes to School

YBike has been a part of the San Francisco Safe Routes to School coalition since its inception in 2009.

Visit SF Safe Routes to learn how we are working to make walking and biking to school safer and more accessible for children and their families.

Children ride bicycles on a playground with a mural and play structure in the background.

Donations and Sponsorships

Want to help us get more kids and families on bikes? Here are some ways to keep our programs rolling.

For more information, contact Matt Dove and Malay Khamsyvoravong.

We are in particular need for bikes with 26” wheels that would fit riders 4’9”-5’8”.

Group of cyclists, including children wearing high-visibility vests, gather in a parking lot under morning sunlight, with trees and buildings in the background.

We accept bike parts that are in good condition (please, no rusty/gunky parts)

Two young girls wearing helmets, one helps the other adjust her helmet strap. Bicycles are parked in the background on a grassy area.

Make a one-time or ongoing contribution to our programs

Three children wearing helmets and backpacks stand with their bikes on a sunny day near a crosswalk.

Bike builds are a fantastic option for corporate volunteer projects, team building days, and more. Bicycles built at these events support our bike programs across the city.

A group of children with bicycles are gathered around an adult instructor in a blue shirt on a paved path in a park.

Upcoming Events

Dec 09

After School

C Sloat – School Year 2024-25 – After School 5 Days

Kids (Ages 0-12), Kids (Ages 0-17)
Stonestown Family YMCA – Deactivated
December 09 at
12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from August 19 to September 13
$50 non-refundable / deposit + monthly payments that occur on the 1st of month (or 1st business day after) from August 2024 through May 2025 – Non-Member $630 per month – Member $504 per month

Dec 09

After School

C Sloat – School Year 2024-25 – After School 3 Days

Kids (Ages 0-12), Kids (Ages 0-17)
Stonestown Family YMCA – Deactivated
December 09 at
12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from August 19 to September 13
$50 non-refundable / deposit + monthly payments that occur on the 1st of month (or 1st business day after) from August 2024 through May 2025 – Non-Member $390 per month – Member $312 per month

Dec 09

After School

A Lincoln – School Year 2024-25 – After School 2 Days

Kids (Ages 0-17), Teen
December 09 at
12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from August 19 to September 13
Price: Must be approved by branch to enroll into this option.

Become A Member

Welcome to our new website!

Here you’ll find everything you need to support your wellness journey, connect with community programs, and explore resources for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Please take a look around. If you have any concerns please email us at [email protected]