What a first ride! Thanks to our incredible community, Cycle Oregon’s inaugural First Ride, Big Dreams fundraiser exceeded its goal. And then some! On a near-perfect October-in-Portland evening over 125 Cycle Oregon riders, supporters and friends came to the Show Bar at Revolution Hall to ensure the joy of riding finds even more Oregon kids. Here’s a look at some highlights from the evening:

Through our Jump Start program in schools to Summer Kids Camp scholarships to bike giveaways in rural communities, we are using the money generously donated to reverse the decades-long trend of kids turning away from bikes. And together with you, we are making a difference. Access to a bike for an Oregon child means:

• Better mental health and reduced anxiety
• Stronger cardiovascular health, balance, and coordination
• Confidence, freedom, and joy that can last a lifetime

In 2024, we instructed 7,439 students across 60 schools throughout Oregon, a 32% increase over 2023! We’re adding more bikes, more training, more schools and more kids to our work in 2025 to help kids build confidence, health, and find lifelong joy on two wheels.

Wednesday October 8th was Oregon Walk & Roll to School Day and we visited Dorena School, 11 miles east of Cottage Grove, Oregon, to celebrate the conclusion of their Jump Start curriculum. It was the school’s fourth year of Jump Start and the biggest ever participation from students riding to school for the day. Listen to the joy that riding a bike brings to kids:

With a tailwind at our backs, we are rolling into 2026 with more momentum than ever; thank you for being a part of the Cycle Oregon community. Missed the event? It’s not too late — donate today and keep Oregon’s kids rolling! Every dollar moves us closer to a future where every child can ride.