El Tour de Tucson’s Bikes for Change program is giving out 1,000 bicycles, helmets, lights and bike locks to underserved youth this weekend.

Starting at 8 a.m. on Make a Difference Day, Saturday, Oct. 26, volunteers from community organizations, churches and schools are set to assemble bikes at five locations across Tucson, including Amphi Middle School, Pantano Christian Church, Laguna Elementary, Steve Daru Boys & Girls Clubhouse and Roy Drachman Boys & Girls Clubhouse.

Beginning at 10 a.m., volunteers will start distributing bikes and supplies to designated families at Amphi Middle School, followed by Pantano Christian Church at 11 a.m. and Laguna Elementary School at noon.

El Tour de Tucson Bikes for Change is working closely with The City of Tucson, Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson, Serve Our City and other local youth-centered nonprofits for this event.

A cyclist rides with a stuffed penguin on his helmet at the start of the 32-mile race during the 39th Banner β€” University Medicine El Tour de Tucson in 2022.

β€œOur collaboration with Boys & Girls Clubs and other Tucson non-profits lets us reach our most underserved youth,” said TJ Juskiewicz, El Tour executive director in a press release. β€œIt’s a perfect way to promote health and wellness, getting more kids on bikes and to enjoy cycling like generations of El Tour riders.”

Over the last few years, El Tour de Tucson Bikes for Change has given away over 3,000 bikes to local kids.

Kids who receive a free bike from El Tour de Tucson Bikes for Change also receive free entry into El Tour de Tucson on Nov. 23. Recipients can participate in the 102, 62 or 32-mile rides or the Fun Ride.

A young rider joins other cyclists at the start of the 32-mile race during the 39th Banner β€” University Medicine El Tour de Tucson in 2022.

β€œOur outreach is perfectly aligned with the mission of El Tour Bikes for Change and mirrors the at-risk population we serve,” Denise Watters, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson said in a press release. β€œThe opportunity to partner with El Tour Bikes for Change is an ideal way for us to leverage our existing sports and wellness programming in all of our Clubhouses, and grow our collaboration to other BGCs in the region.”

For more information about El Tour de Tucson’s Bikes for Change, check out https://eltourdetucson.org/el-tour-bikes-for-change/.


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Elvia is a journalism and history graduate from the University of Arizona. She hopes to create stories that show what makes Tucson and its community special.