ABOUT US

El Barrio Bikes is a group of enthusiastic Uptown neighbors - residents and organiizations -  who are enthusiastic about promoting bike culture, expanding health and better transportation options in East & Greater Harlem.  We are known for our famously friendly, year-round bike rides. But we also collaborate in local civics activities like organizing pedestrian studies to help DOT identify how to improve our sidewalks, and reporting danger traffic situations to our local reps. We also care about using our activities to connect more riders to our locally-owned businesses.

GROUP RIDE TRAINING 

Each spring we invite community members who bike to join our community of ride leaders to learn to host community members on our free all levels-friendly, community-paced bicycle rides that either begin in or travel to events, sites, and businesses around Greater Harlem.  

Chosen applicants will train with The Brown Bike Girl intensive group bike skill intensive to develop a) safe street navigation techniques for individuals and groups, b) learn essential ride prep and mechanical skills, and c) learn to plot and document routes that are suitable for moving group rides through NYC streets.  The 3 virtual, 3 in-person, and appx. 3 hours of weekly homework culminate in participants completing a simple route of their own ride that they will host for El Barrio Bikes during 2025. 

COST

In exchange for no-cost participation in this training, chosen applicants commit to repayment by co-hosting a minimum of 2 El Barrio Bikes bike rides between May - Sept 2025.  El Barrio Bikes is not able to contribute to keeping Harlem healthy & moving without your commitment and follow through.

TRAINING DATES

Dates of the six mandatory mixed in-person and virtual classroom training. 

- Tuesdays VIRTUAL/ZOOM                  6:00pm - 8:30pm    April 8, 15, & 22 

- Saturdays IN-PERSON/OUTDOORS  9:30am - 12:30pm   April 12, 19, & April 26  (East Harlem)

Please be considerate: Do not apply if you are unable or unwilling to prioritize being present at ALL sessions even as other social opportunities may arise - Spaces left by dropouts cannot be filled.

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WHO CAN/SHOULD APPLY

All persons who ride bikes and live, work, or regularly travel by bike within Greater Harlem are welcome to apply.   Athletic speed and long distance experience is not required. Bike ownership not required; EBB can lend participants manual Citi Bikes. 

- Must already know how to ride a bike.

- Must be 18 or older by start (April 8, 2025)

- Access to a device that allows both audio & video participation in the video-conferencing required. (On camera participation required.) 

- Must participate in hosting 2 free community bike rides travelling to or through Harlem by Sept 30, 2025. (We help you find or plan your routes.)

- Must be willing to electronically log their community bike rides using an location-tracking app such as Strava, RidewithGPS, etc for El Barrio Bikes reporting records. 

DEADLINE:  The form will close on 11:59 PM, Sat. March 22, 2025. Due to volume, only those who are eligible may be contacted. Selected applicants will receive invitations by March 27.   

Please contact courtney(at)thebrownbikegirl.com with any questions.