Equiticity's Impact: BikeForce E-Bike Technologies Workforce Development Program
“One of the most rewarding aspects of being a BikeForce Instructor is witnessing the transformation in my students over time. Many of them arrive with apprehensions about biking, but as they gain skills and confidence, I see their enthusiasm grow. They begin to embrace cycling not just as a mode of transportation but as a form of empowerment and freedom.”
– Tyrike Davis, BikeForce Instructor, Equiticity
Dear Equiticity Supporters:
I am writing to share the impact of Equiticity's work through our BikeForce program, and ask for your financial support during our end-of-year fundraising campaign.
Equiticity’s BikeForce Program is an innovative youth-focused workforce development program designed to empower young people ages 15 to 19 with technical skills, personal growth opportunities, and a deeper connection to their community. Through a hands-on, multi-faceted approach, participants learn to navigate the intersections of bicycle electrification, social-emotional learning, and community advocacy, preparing them for careers in an emerging industry, while fostering a sense of agency and purpose.
At the heart of BikeForce is a curriculum centered on the mechanics and technology of e-bikes. Participants gain foundational knowledge of electricity, explore the components of an e-bike battery, and master the processes of disassembly and reassembly. These technical skills position them for roles in a growing sector that bridges transportation, sustainability, and innovation.
Program Benefits
Beyond technical expertise, BikeForce emphasizes the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL). Integrated throughout the curriculum, SEL equips participants with the tools to manage challenges, communicate effectively, and build resilience. These lessons prepare them not just for careers but for life’s unexpected hurdles, encouraging adaptability and confidence.
Program benefits include:
Welcoming and safe environment: Our program creates a sense of security for our participants, allowing them to focus on personal growth, connect with their peers, and develop a deeper appreciation for their shared values.
New bike: Each participant receives a brand-new bike, valued at $600, which for many is more than just a mode of transportation – it is a lifeline.
Skills gains in e-bike technology: The fusion of technical training and SEL nurtures well-rounded individuals ready to face future challenges with marketable skills in an emerging workforce.
Field trips to local destinations: Participants gain exposure to culture and innovative fields, cultivating their interest in community, mobility, and technology.
Neighborhood connection: By exploring their neighborhood’s history and engaging in advocacy, participants strengthen their connections and contribute to community vibrancy.
Demographics Highlights
BikeForce serves predominantly Black and Brown youth, reflecting the racial demographics of the communities it serves. By engaging participants where they are – whether navigating the challenges of justice system involvement, transient housing, or other systemic inequities – the program breaks through barriers, fostering a deep sense of purpose, empowerment, and resilience among participants.
Participant Insights
BikeForce participants have shared insightful reflections on their experiences, showcasing the program's profound impact on personal growth and community building:
Feeling Safe and Supported: Post-survey responses reveal that participants overwhelmingly feel safe in the program environment and supported by the instructors, emphasizing a culture of care and inclusivity.
Challenged to Grow: Many participants expressed that the program inspired them to step out of their comfort zones and develop new skills, fostering a sense of achievement and growth.
Motivations and Goals: Participants joined the program for various reasons, including building confidence in cycling, gaining insight on bike mechanics, and connecting with like-minded individuals.
Community Connections: From mastering new routes to sharing group rides, participants cited community connection and collective learning as highlights of their experience.
My bike is my …
“…main form of transportation, to go to school, to go to work, exercise, when I have no other way of transportation, just for fun." – Neko
I joined BikeForce because …
"I wanted to grow in my knowledge on how to fix and build and repair a bicycle." – Brian
"I was scared of bikes when I was little, so I wanted to understand them and know how they worked." – Ralph
"I wanted the knowledge and the experience, also I really needed the money." – Jordan
My favorite part about BikeForce …
"Talking to people and meeting new people" – Khavauni
"Working with the bikes, putting them together" – Juwanna
"Riding the bikes as a group." – Kaniyah
Donate Equiticity's End-of-Year Fundraising Campaign to Support BikeForce.
BikeForce participants face significant challenges, including substance dependencies, unstable housing, and heightened anxiety regarding safety. These challenges can impede their ability to fully engage in the program and in their communities.
Your donation will help maintain BikeForce as a community asset and provide critical wraparound support to youth participants, including:
Resource Linkages: Partnerships with social service organizations to connect participants and families with housing, mental health support, and financial assistance.
Dedicated Case Management: A program liaison to guide families through available resources and provide individualized support.
By addressing these factors, the program will help participants maintain their commitment to personal growth and build valuable skills through BikeForce. Please consider donating to Equiticity.
Thank you for supporting our future leaders.
Warm regards,
Oboi
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Olatunji Oboi Reed
President & CEO
The Equiticity Racial Equity Movement
