Decathlon And YBike Support SF Bay Area Youth

Decathlon, the world’s largest sporting goods retailer, recently announced its initiative in support of YBike — a YMCA of San Francisco program that transforms Bay Area youth into active outdoor enthusiasts, skilled cyclists, and more confident young adults.

YBike’s after school program recently received the Non Profit of the Year Award at the Sacramento Capitol this month for San Francisco’s 19th District. Decathlon donated a bike, the Triban RC 500, to support YBike’s Girls Riding Club and provided additional discounted bikes, including a range of Rockrider 520 and Rockrider 100 bikes, for students graduating from Y Bike’s after school bike club program.

“We’re proud to support the work being done by YBike to make cycling accessible to students of all ages, backgrounds and abilities,” said Jennifer Tetrick, former professional cyclist and Communications and PR Director for Decathlon. “YBike is empowering youth with skills and resources to get out and ride a bike and enjoy all the freedom and opportunities that can offer — fitness, transportation and fun.”

The bikes were given to students who completed YBike’s after school bike club, as part of their “Earn-A-Bike” program, where participants learn about bike maintenance, riding safety, and navigation. At the end of the program, students get to keep a bike of their own. YBike currently operates Earn-A-Bike programs at Marina Middle School, Denman Middle School, Francisco Middle School, Ida B. Wells High School and Mission High School. This program is funded by a grant through the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families and generous contributions from the community.

"We're thankful for Decathlon and our community of supporters and volunteers who help make YBike's programming possible," said Matt Dove, Director of Bicycle Programs at the Presidio Community YMCA. "It makes our day every day to see young people discover the joy of riding bikes and the camaraderie, education and leadership skills they gain through the program."

"Urban bike riding is not something I could teach my daughter myself. She is attaining safety, transportation and motor skills, and healthy practices otherwise rare to urban childhood. She's very excited about the variety of locations she visits, and has a better sense of direction." -Parent of a YBike Earn-A-Bike program participant.