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Help Us Get 100 Bikes + Gear to Kids in Need

Brilliant Kids Outdoors: Free Bike Program is on a mission to ignite a passion for outdoor exploration and physical activity among youth by safely providing them with the freedom and joy of riding bikes. Through our program, we gift bikes to economically disadvantaged youth and empower kids to develop life skills, leadership qualities, and a sense of independence by fostering a love for cycling and the great outdoors.

Why Are We Gifting Free Bikes?

I remember the exact day my training wheels were taken off of my first, tiny pink bike. I was 3 years old and my Grandpa said, “Well Terra, it’s time for you to ride without a crutch” just as he removed them.

With ridiculous determination in my little heart, I took my tiny bike to my grandparents neighbors driveway (because it was much longer than theirs) and skidded my feet on the pavement down the driveway over, and over and over again.

Hours later, my Grandma called me in for dinner but I absolutely refused to leave the driveway until I got it.

So, I held my breath, picked up my feet and… PEDDLED!

It’s one of my first memories of grit, determination, and failure turning to success.

We want our youth in this community (and globally) to have opportunities to cultivate leadership and life skills through positive activities that build grit and determination for a future of success.

Impact & Benefits

Physical Health:

  • Cardiovascular Fitness: Cycling improves heart and lung health through aerobic exercise, enhancing stamina and endurance.
  • Muscle Development: Riding a bike engages major muscle groups, promoting strength and coordination, particularly in the legs and core.
  • Weight Management: Regular cycling helps burn calories, contributing to healthy weight maintenance and reducing the risk of obesity.

Mental Well-being:

  • Stress Reduction: Physical activity like cycling releases endorphins, which can reduce stress levels and improve mood.
  • Cognitive Benefits: Riding a bike stimulates the brain, enhancing cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills.
  • Mental Health: Regular physical activity, including cycling, is linked to reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in youth.

Social Development:

  • Community Engagement: Cycling encourages social interaction and participation in community events such as group rides or local cycling clubs.
  • Teamwork: Participating in group rides or cycling events fosters teamwork, cooperation, and camaraderie among peers.
  • Independence: Riding a bike promotes independence and self-reliance as youth learn to navigate and explore their surroundings.

Environmental Awareness:

  • Sustainable Transportation: Cycling promotes eco-friendly transportation choices, reducing carbon footprint and promoting environmental stewardship among youth.

Lifelong Skills:

  • Safety Awareness: Learning safe cycling practices instills responsibility and awareness of traffic rules and road safety.
  • Life-long Fitness: Cycling promotes a habit of physical activity that can be sustained throughout life, contributing to long-term health benefits.

Builds Persistence and Resilience:

  • Overcoming Challenges: Learning to ride a bike involves persistence and resilience in mastering balance and coordination.
  • Perseverance: Encountering falls or setbacks teaches youth to get back up and try again, fostering resilience in the face of adversity.

Fosters Responsibility and Independence:

  • Self-Reliance: Riding a bike encourages independence as youth navigate routes and make decisions about safety and direction.
  • Maintenance: Learning to care for their bike promotes responsibility and ownership, fostering a sense of accountability.

Supports Healthy Decision Making and Risk Management:

  • Assessing Risks: Negotiating traffic and choosing safe routes teaches youth to assess risks and make informed decisions.
  • Quick Thinking: Responding to changing road conditions or obstacles hones their ability to think critically and act decisively.

Enhances Communication and Collaboration:

  • Group Riding: Participating in group rides or cycling events requires communication and teamwork to coordinate movements and ensure safety.
  • Negotiation: Sharing paths or navigating intersections with other cyclists and pedestrians fosters interpersonal skills and respect for others.

Encourages Goal Setting and Achievement:

  • Setting Personal Goals: Whether it’s reaching a specific destination or improving their riding skills, setting and achieving goals builds confidence and self-esteem.
  • Celebrating Milestones: Accomplishing milestones like longer distances or mastering new techniques reinforces the importance of perseverance and dedication.

Stimulates Adaptability and Flexibility:

  • Navigating Different Terrains: Riding on various surfaces and in different weather conditions teaches adaptability and the ability to adjust to changing environments.
  • Problem Solving: Addressing mechanical issues or unexpected challenges on the road encourages creative problem-solving skills.

Nurtures Leadership and Empathy:

  • Role Modeling: Demonstrating safe cycling practices and respect for others on the road sets a positive example for peers and younger riders.
  • Empathy: Understanding the perspectives and needs of fellow cyclists promotes empathy and consideration for others’ safety and well-being

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brilliant Planet a New Organization?

We’ve been around for awhile. We started as Grow Organic Kids in 2013 as a fiscally sponsored project under the Fusion Foundation. We have since grown and we became our own non-profit organization in 2019.

What's the Mission of the Brilliant {Free} Bike Program?

Brilliant {Free} Bikes for Kids is on a mission to ignite a passion for outdoor exploration and physical activity among youth by safely providing them with the freedom and joy of riding bikes. Through our program, we empower kids to develop life skills, leadership qualities, and a sense of independence by fostering a love for cycling and the great outdoors.

How many bikes are you giving out?

We will be giving out approximately 100 bikes this year, in 2024.

What are the kids getting with their bikes?

The kids will receive a bike, helmet and lock.

Are applications still open?

Applications closed on May 31, 2024. Make sure to hop on our newsletter here for updates of when we open up applications again!

When Will the Kids Get Their Bikes?

The bikes will be delivered to families in December of 2024. The exact date will be released to families in the Fall.

Can I sponsor this program?

Absolutely! We would LOVE your support and partnership on this program. Check out the Sponsorship page HERE!

Can I donate to this program?

Yes, please! We would love to receive your support for this program. 100% of proceeds go toward getting a bike, gear and classes created for kids.

Donate here: DONATE

Are you taking donations of old bikes?

Thanks for thinking of us! We’re not taking old bike donations at this time!