YBike San Francisco
Kids San Francisco
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.
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”.
We accept bike parts that are in good condition (please, no rusty/gunky parts)
Make a one-time or ongoing contribution to our programs
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.
Upcoming Events
Dec 16
After School
C Sloat – School Year 2024-25 – After School 3 Days
Dec 16
After School
A Lincoln – School Year 2024-25 – After School 2 Days
Dec 16
After School
J Ortega – School Year 2024-25 – After School 3 Days
Youth & Family
Reach & Rise® Mentoring
Ages 6-17 Chinatown YMCA, Urban Services YMCAAcademic Support or School Completion
Five Keys
Ages 18+ Bayview Hunters Point YMCACamps
