What is the Indigenous Bike Program

The Indigenous Bike Program is a community-led initiative that empowers Indigenous youth through biking, leadership, and skill-building. Rooted in relationships and guided by each community’s unique strengths, the program starts with local engagement and grows through hands-on events like cycling education and bike rodeos and eventually, a community bike shop. Biking offers youth a healthy, accessible way to connect, with the land, each other, and themselves. Along the way, participants learn practical bike skills, gain mechanical training, and can take on youth employment opportunities. The ultimate goal is to support youth with the tools and spaces they need to lead and thrive while strengthening their communities from the ground up.

Why Empower Youth Through Bikes

Biking is an accessible and empowering activity for remote Indigenous communities, offering both independence and connection. It allows youth to explore their surroundings, stay active, and build confidence, whether riding alone or with others. Without the need for formal structure, biking supports wellness, leadership, and community engagement, all while keeping youth connected to the land they call home.

Where We’ve Been and What We’ve Learned

The Indigenous Bike Program began in Pikangikum First Nation in 2017 and continues to thrive there today. Over the years, we’ve seen how access to bikes, tools, and training can build confidence and empower youth to take ownership. The youth in Pikangikum continue to operate a bike library, repair bikes, and maintain trails. This experience has shown us what’s possible, and we’re working toward expanding the program to support more Indigenous communities.

How You Can Help

The Indigenous Bike Program is powered by community donations, grant support, and creative fundraisers like the Ice Road Challenges, two unique annual fat bike rides across frozen lakes. Your support helps us deliver equipment, train youth, and grow this program in more communities. Whether you donate, volunteer, or ride with us, you're part of something bigger.

Indigenous Bike Program Supporters

This program is made possible by the generous support of our partners who share our commitment to community and positive change through bikes. Past partners include the Reserves Education Authority, local schools, the Ontario Provincial Police, and Moose Bicycles.

We're always looking to build new meaningful partnerships that help us expand our impact. Interested in partnering with us? Send an email to tammy.heidbuurt@newhopecommunitybikes.com!

What are the Ice Road Challenges

The Ice Road Challenges are two unforgettable winter cycling fundraisers hosted by New Hope Community Bikes, in partnership with local community leaders and supported by the Ontario Provincial Police. Held in Northern Ontario, these two unique events takes riders across frozen roads and snowy landscapes in a fun but challenging ride that tests both strength and resilience.

Whether you’re taking on a full multi-day adventure or a powerful one-day event, the Ice Road Challenge offers a chance to ride with purpose, build relationships, and support youth cycling programs in Indigenous communities. Riders also have the opportunity to spend time in the community they’re supporting and see firsthand the positive impact their fundraising makes.

This is more than just a ride—it's a commitment to connection, reconciliation in action, and the belief that bicycles can help build confidence, community, and opportunity.