OutCycling is a non profit 501(c)3 community cycling organization. We believe in the importance of the physical and emotional health that cycling provides and strive to share this philosophy with everyone. Our motto is: Fun, Fitness and Friendship for all.
The mission of the OutCycling Fearless Flyers program is to support LGBTQ+ youth (16-25) to combat isolation by combining wellness & health with physical activity.
GRADUATION DAY 2023
Fearless Flyers is a 13-week training program for New York City youth ages 16-25 that includes safety training in partnership with Bike NY and the NYC DOT. These young people are given the opportunity to develop their skills as a cyclist, as well as gaining social and leadership skills to help strengthen our community. Graduates who successfully complete the training earn their own bike, helmet and lock.
Angel
Age: 20
Pronouns: He/Him
What lessons did you learn from the Fearless Flyers program?
“What I got from Fearless Flyers was a sense of community that I haven’t really been able to achieve on my own. It was nice to make friends with people without drinking - or having to go to a club and be active. Especially after Covid I haven’t seen my friends in a while or interacted with a lot of people. Fearless Flyers was very nice and very chill and uplifting to see all these brown people working together towards the same goal. It was very inspiring, especially at this time. It really is what I needed and it came at a really dark time in my life when stuff wasn’t okay - and it made it okay. Saturday we’re about to bike so.. Everytime I showed up I was so happy to see the people I would bike with and it’s been a really great experience. I am looking forward to keep rocking with these people. We're friends, we’re family now, there’s no stopping it, we’re Fearless Flyers forever!”
Santana
Age: 21
Pronouns: He/Him
Why did you join Fearless Flyers?
“I joined Fearless Flyers because I was really looking to build community especially with queer people in the space of New York City but I wanted to remain safe having not been around people for a really long time, like many of us. So I was nervous but really excited. What I got out of it was proof that community can get you through anything, especially biking thirty miles and also knowing the body is sacred and is something that brings us together. And I don’t have to be scared of the community - I can be excited and do social distancing because everyone is on bikes! And everyone should apply! I’m definitely going to be telling people about it next year.”
Johnny
Age: 21
Pronouns: He/Him
What can people expect from participating in the Flyers program?
“I was really excited to see a program dedicated to queer and trans youth that teaches them to cycle in the city, which not a lot of people have access to. I think it's so important that everybody learn to learn to ride a bike safely. I learned so much from the program, and I got a whole new group of friends, community, and family now. I’m so glad that I’ve met everybody and I feel like I’ve opened up a lot more. When we started a couple months ago I wanted to join because it definitely is a challenge and a good one. You feel rewarded after each ride and you definitely embody the name Fearless Flyers. You feel fearless everyday and it makes me feel confident and more self assured in my abilities. I’ve really pushed myself this season. I’m excited to see where it goes in the future.”
Angel
Age: 20
Pronouns: He/Him
What lessons did you learn from the Fearless Flyers program?
“What I got from Fearless Flyers was a sense of community that I haven’t really been able to achieve on my own. It was nice to make friends with people without drinking - or having to go to a club and be active. Especially after Covid I haven’t seen my friends in a while or interacted with a lot of people. Fearless Flyers was very nice and very chill and uplifting to see all these brown people working together towards the same goal. It was very inspiring, especially at this time. It really is what I needed and it came at a really dark time in my life when stuff wasn’t okay - and it made it okay. Saturday we’re about to bike so.. Everytime I showed up I was so happy to see the people I would bike with and it’s been a really great experience. I am looking forward to keep rocking with these people. We're friends, we’re family now, there’s no stopping it, we’re Fearless Flyers forever!”
Santana
Age: 21
Pronouns: He/Him
Why did you join Fearless Flyers?
“I joined Fearless Flyers because I was really looking to build community especially with queer people in the space of New York City but I wanted to remain safe having not been around people for a really long time, like many of us. So I was nervous but really excited. What I got out of it was proof that community can get you through anything, especially biking thirty miles and also knowing the body is sacred and is something that brings us together. And I don’t have to be scared of the community - I can be excited and do social distancing because everyone is on bikes! And everyone should apply! I’m definitely going to be telling people about it next year.”
Johnny
Age: 21
Pronouns: He/Him
What can people expect from participating in the Flyers program?
“I was really excited to see a program dedicated to queer and trans youth that teaches them to cycle in the city, which not a lot of people have access to. I think it's so important that everybody learn to learn to ride a bike safely. I learned so much from the program, and I got a whole new group of friends, community, and family now. I’m so glad that I’ve met everybody and I feel like I’ve opened up a lot more. When we started a couple months ago I wanted to join because it definitely is a challenge and a good one. You feel rewarded after each ride and you definitely embody the name Fearless Flyers. You feel fearless everyday and it makes me feel confident and more self assured in my abilities. I’ve really pushed myself this season. I’m excited to see where it goes in the future.”
How You Can Help
100% of public donations go directly to OutCycling Fearless Flyers Program
Private donors and club members cover overhead costs so that 100% of YOUR donations can go directly to getting LGBTQ+ youth on bikes and on the journey to ending isolation.
$30
Buys one Flyer a bike lock
$60
Buys one Flyer a bike helmet
$250
Buys one Flyer lunch for the full 13-week program
$260
Covers the cost for one Flyer's rental equipment for the full 13-week program.
$650
Buys one Flyer a new bike after successfully completing the program
$1260
Covers all costs for one Flyer to complete the program - including the cost of a new bike, helmet and lock, after successful completion
$6300
Covers all costs for 5 Flyers to complete the program - including the cost of a new bike, helmet and lock, after successful completion
