USA Cycling, the national governing body for the sport of cycling in the United States, took a significant stride in championing access and opportunity in the sport through its participation in the Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic back in June. The organization collaborated with local non-profits I Challenge Myself, Equity Designs, and the students of PS18X.
In line with its efforts to enhance the future of competitive cycling and foster community outreach, USA Cycling brought its flagship recruiting initiative, "Search for Speed," to the Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic.
"Major Taylor Iron Riders has been a long-time supporter of the Harlem Skyscraper Races. This race brings together our cycling community and as ambassadors of the sport, it’s our responsibility to usher in the next generation. We create the opportunity for awareness and access to young people in our community. Partnering with USA Cycling on the Search for Speed program created that direct line to a program that can change someone's life trajectory" said USA Cycling board member Dericka Hendon.
During the Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic, USA Cycling, alongside Equity Designs, a prominent entity in community engagement, took the opportunity to engage with the kids of PS18X in a special outreach initiative by supplying the students and their families with transportation to the event.
"On June 18th, we celebrated our year-long collaborative cycling program with PS 018 John Peter Zenger, in the Bronx, facilitated by BIPOC cycling groups Black Girls Do Bike NYC and Major Taylor, enabling students and their families to discover the joys of cycling. With USA Cycling removing barriers such as providing transportation, families and students were able to participate in their first ever race at the Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic and connect with professional cyclists, thereby translating their learned skills into real-world experiences, shifting perceptions, and creating joyous moments." Said program founder and CEO Maurelhena Walles.
In the spirit of promoting cycling and facilitating talent growth, USA Cycling also announced a bike donation to I Challenge Myself, a non-profit organization providing fitness opportunities for New York City public school students provided by our friends at Vitus Bikes.
"I Challenge Myself is thrilled to have formed a partnership with USA Cycling based on the shared values that youth can see beyond their circumstances through cycling and the mentorship, leadership, and personal growth that goes along with cycling programs. We are so appreciative of the donation of Vitus bikes to our program students and the ability to participate in the Search for Speed Challenge. We are proud of our students for stepping out of their comfort zones and participating with USA Cycling by their sides," said Quentin Ball, Executive Director of I Challenge Myself.
“SSU is all about investing in the growth of the sport and especially promoting diversity in a sport that can be fairly inaccessible to underserved communities. Collectively supporting USAC and those communities is a win-win. When our Vitus brand was given the opportunity to be involved with these initiatives, we jumped on it. The joy of bikes is universal and we’re happy to spread it.” Said Brad Howell brand manager for Vitus Bikes.
