A journey of growth with Rafiki, Operation Genesis, and Bike It Forward
This spring, our Bike It Forward program teamed up with Rafiki Coalition and Operation Genesis for a ten-week journey into skill-building, self-discovery, and joy. The plan was to have a structured maintenance course paired with local outdoor space exploration. What began with short loops around the neighborhood evolved into long-haul rides, hands-on bike repair, and real conversations about how—and where—young people move through this city.
When this cohort first came together outside the Rafiki Wellness Center in the Bayview neighborhood of SF, most had never heard of Angel Island (an island in the San Francisco Bay that served as an immigration station and now offers scenic hiking and history). By the end of the program, they weren’t just asking where it was—they were riding around it, and back again.
From swapping out “Maxxi” tires (for perfect wheelies) to adjusting their own derailleurs, these young people took ownership of every turn of the wrench. Each week, their confidence grew — not just in how far they could ride, but in what they could handle.
And there was plenty for them to learn as they went. Early on, a group ride through Bayview led to some real-world lessons in traffic navigation and what it means to be seen on the street. Despite time dedicated to learning how to ride safely on Bayview streets, they learned how drivers react with impatience and bias. One chaperone left the ride shaken, not just by the near-misses, but by the deeper question: How are young people supposed to move safely through a city that wasn’t designed for their freedom?
Still, they kept riding, and their efforts paid off in an unforgettable trip — a nearly 23-mile ride from Bayview along the Bay Trail to “The Pier” (Pier 39), up the Crissy Field hill, back to the ferry, around Angel Island, and back! The journey gave them a chance to explore, be free, and connect the dots of their city. They had built the strength and confidence, and a growing desire to explore the world outside their own neighborhood. Beyond just the physical experience of riding that long distance, the ride was also a quiet challenge to a system that too often keeps young people, especially Black and brown youth, boxed in.
Destiny Williams, the Rafiki Coalition Program Manager noted about our Angel Island trip: “It stays with me—how many young people who’ve grown up in San Francisco have never even heard of Angel Island. As part of the Rafiki team, I think a lot about why that is. On our ride, I noticed moments when our kids were being watched a bit too closely, or treated like they didn’t quite belong. These are public spaces, meant for everyone, but too often they don’t feel welcoming to Black and brown youth.” She continued, “I’m grateful we were there—to hold space, to create a sense of safety—so they could just enjoy the day. I feel like it shouldn’t take that kind of support for them to feel free outside. That’s why this work matters so much to us. It’s about more than bikes—it’s about joy, visibility, and giving our youth the chance to feel at home in nature.”
Operation Genesis brought deep ties and trust, showing young people that this was their space to shape. A Career Day featured leaders like Drew VanTassell and Levi Luna of Mike’s Bikes, and Saul Leiken of the newly-formed micromobility company ALSO, who shared what it means to build a life in the bike world—and why it matters who gets to ride. As hosts, the Rafiki Coalition rooted the program in wellness, making each gathering a space to exhale and feel safe.
As we look to the next cohort—this time inviting families into the experience—we’re thinking about the bigger question: What does mobility mean when you’re young? How do we foster independence when your neighborhood has historically been deprioritized by transit funding, or when your city is built around the needs of people in cars? How do young people gain comfort and confidence riding, when their freedom depends not just on having a bike, but on where they’re “allowed” to ride it?
We don’t have all the answers. But we do know this: with the right tools, the right partners, and a little room to move, these kids can go anywhere.
We are committed to continuing to ride with them – and you can help. Support youth mobility and mentorship by making a donation to our Bike It Forward program.
