Since September, the SFBike Programs Team has been rolling out something truly special—putting students on bicycles for their weekly counseling sessions! With partial funding from an Outride grant, this project pairs students and two school psychologists at Hoover Middle School for therapy on the move. A new setting can bring a fresh, two-wheeled perspective to the sessions, and the program is designed so counselors can measure the impact of including cycling in the students’ sessions.
In October, we kicked things off: Bike It Forward prepared bikes for both students and the counselors, students met their bikes, and they got to work with a League Certified Instructor (LCI), learning how to ride safely and navigate the city.
The school psychologists behind the handlebars have seen something magical happen. “Beyond the fun of biking, the program is already showing promising results,” shared the lead counselor. “Students seem to return to class calmer, more focused, and better equipped to manage their behavior.” Each student’s individual progress is celebrated—whether they’re tackling a tricky maneuver, gaining the strength to ride up a hill, or simply showing up with more confidence. “The program has become a highlight of the week for these students, blending counseling with adventure in a way that fosters both growth and excitement,” the counselor added.
The benefits of the program go beyond emotional growth. “The exercise offers a healthy outlet, while the biking experience provides hands-on practice with responsibility, safety, and respectful communication. Compared to traditional counseling, this innovative approach has brought a new level of engagement: helping students build confidence and a stronger sense of connection to their school community,” the psychologist shared. Students are chatting more freely and reflecting more deeply than they ever would in an office. It’s proof that cycling isn’t just great exercise — it’s great therapy.
A crucial element of our program design has been intentionally setting an aspirational end-of-school-year goal for these rides — helping each student develop the skills and confidence to eventually ride the full distance from Hoover Middle School to Golden Gate Park. Working on this goal collaboratively during each session builds capacity in the students and allows them to visualize and achieve their physical progress and personal growth required for riding that distance. The instructor noted: “I’m inspired by the perseverance of the students who didn’t know how to ride a bike when we started and I’m encouraged for our city’s future when I see how all the students are increasingly looking for ways to integrate riding bikes into their lives. This has been one of the most fulfilling teaching experiences I’ve had in my 15+ years of being an LCI.”
At its core, this program is about SFBike supporting access — access to bikes, to new ways of connecting, and to experiences that truly transform lives. Programs like this embody the mission of Bike It Forward: getting people on bikes who might not otherwise have the chance.
Want to help us keep this momentum going? Your support can make all the difference!
