fbpx
Image for Rachel Hultin

Volunteers on bikes + books + kids = best bike experience EVER!

I have a lot of great memories from riding a bike.

The entire summer of 1978 when I wrapped a plastic jump rope around the handlebars of my blue Schwinn and pretended I was riding my faithful horse ‘Old Blue’. The first time I rode my bike to the park without an adult and tasted the sense of freedom and independence that brings. And adrenaline-saturated moments such as nearly breaking the sound barrier (I exaggerate. We were within the speed limit, of course.) on the back of a tandem while riding down Highway 267 to Kings Beach, Lake Tahoe.

A new great memory

2016 R4R AdamOn May 13, 2016, at the age of 45, I had a new “Best-Ever Bike Experience” when twelve other volunteers and I delivered 750 books to Kullerstrand Elementary in Wheat Ridge by bike.

We rolled up to the school ringing our bells, panniers loaded with books, and 250 kids went absolutely nuts, cheering like we were celebrities. For the first time in almost 20 years, I felt that rush of pure joy only experienced on a bike.

We unloaded the books while the mayor spoke and the kids took a pledge to read their books at least twice, to stay active and to be safe. Then, the kids descended on the tables to select three books to take home. We were treated to big smiles, high-fives, hugs and expressions of thanks. The kids asked questions about our bikes. We gave them stickers and bookmarks and safety cards.

Over the course of an hour, almost 300 human beings connected through a shared love of riding a bike, a love of reading and a love of doing something special as a community.

2016 R4R kids books

Advocacy organizations make a difference

My professional work at Bicycle Colorado connects me with communities across the state, while my personal volunteer work connects me with own local advocacy organization, the Wheat Ridge Active Transportation Advisory Team (the ATATs).

The ATATs encourage our city to continue bike-friendly investments and encourage our neighbors to ride and walk more. Scott DeJong (one of our amazing community volunteers) suggested Ride for Reading as a way to engage with local youth. This national program connects students in Title 1 schools with education on staying active mentally and physically.

Preparing for Ride for Reading took a lot of work. We solicited book donations from our community in partnership with local businesses. We organized volunteer riders including the mayor, our public works director, Wheat Ridge Police Officers, a couple visiting from North Carolina and a local author. We coordinated with the school. We took time off from work.

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]

2016 R4R Start
2016 Ride for Reading: Ready to Roll!

Local advocacy organizations are a terrific way to learn more, make a difference, improve conditions for people who ride and connect with other bike-minded neighbors. If you have a passion for experiences on two wheels, I encourage you to reach out to your local advocacy organization or, if none exists, start one. It’s guaranteed to give you and your community more “Best Bike Experience EVER” moments, no matter your age!

2016 R4R group[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Rachel Hultin

About the Author: Rachel Hultin

Rachel works with agencies, organizations and communities to ensure Colorado becomes the best state in the nation for riding bikes. Her passion for all forms of active transportation fuels opportunities for successful collaboration. When not talking shop, Rachel enjoys hunting for street art with her family and volunteering in her community.

COMMENTS (2)

Kimberly L. DeJong - Reply

This really was an amazing experience. You did a wonderful job of capturing that here. I share your joy of bicycling and have many memorable times as a kid and throughout my life involving cycling. To share this joy with kids (and tie it in with reading no less!) just takes it to another level. Thank you for all that you do!

    Rachel Hultin - Reply

    Thanks Kim! I’m so grateful that Scott suggested Ride for Reading and then worked to make it happen. When we recognize that working together across the community to connect bikes with good experiences and opportunities… everyone wins! #MoreRideForReading!!

Leave A COMMENT

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Bicycle Colorado
@BicycleColo

Our twitter feed is unavailable right now. Follow us on Twitter

  • Share and tag your bicycle images
  • DON’T DELAY: We’re placing another order for #BicycleColorado masks made by our friends at @primalwear TOMORROW (5/14) at noon! Click the link in our bio to get yours now!
•
•
•
We’re thrilled to see so many people out enjoying (and often rediscovering the joy of) riding a bike right now, and we’re asking ALL bicyclists to do their part to prevent the spread of #covid19 by wearing a mask or other face covering when out for a ride. Doing so keeps you, your loved ones, those around you, and all Coloradans safer while helping reduce stress on our medical system. If you still need a mask, click the link in our bio to pre-order one now and support our advocacy work! Thanks so much to everyone who has already purchased, and to @primalwear for supporting our efforts over the years. Ride on.
  • #BicycleColorado volunteers and staff members spent time today helping @denverurbangardens and @denverfoodrescue deliver “Grow a Garden” food boxes to home-bound families in Denver—via bike! Supporting our community on two wheels makes for a great way to spend a sunny day. Many thanks to our friends @ddchen47, David M., and @juggernautcargo for your help! Head to denverfoodrescue.org or dug.org to learn more about these great local organizations. #rideyourbike
  • Tonight the #BicycleColorado team celebrated Stacey, our outgoing Development Director, with a virtual happy hour. Stacey has been an absolute rockstar for BC. We’re sad to see her leave, but thrilled for her as she heads out on a new adventure (hopefully in the #BikeAdvocacy space!) in North Carolina. Please join us in wishing her well!