Evergreen MTB brought a unique perspective to the Bike Summit by presenting with Trips for Kids founder Marilyn Price and Anthony Taylor on the capability of mountain biking to both empower and connect youth with the outdoor environment. The disconnect between younger populations and nature is a growing concern for leaders throughout the country; our presentation explained the opportunity mountain biking offers to utilize bikes to engage youth in local forests and greenspaces with a fun activity that provides a personal connection to the outdoors.

Unfortunately, mountain biking is often not part of the conversation to empower youth. The cost of bikes and gear, as well as the frequent need to drive to appropriate trails means mountain biking is sometimes not an option for the urban youth populations that would benefit most.

And yet there are great opportunities to increase riding locations in urban areas. Our community partners—Friends of Cheasty Greenspace—were also at the Youth Bike Summit. Their Trails Project aims to make fun and engaging mountain bike trails accessible to local populations in Seattle.  (Please tell Seattle Parks and Recreation to support this and future opportunities by voicing your opinion HERE.) 

Thanks to the Youth Bike Summit and Bike Works for inviting Evergreen to be a part of an incredible weekend, and more importantly to be part of a powerful youth movement that will continue to grow and positively impact the lives of young riders. 

Go here to see more pictures from the Summit !