Criterium Racing Event 2022
Bicycle Coalition Youth Cycling
The Bicycle Coalition Youth Cycling (BCYC) program works with youth ages 12-18 across Philadelphia in building healthy habits, leadership, and independence through the sport of cycling.
I came into this role as an alumni to the program. This perspective allowed me to cater to organization asks while maximizing the experience of the student athlete. Hence, everything we created was inclusive of the Bicycle Coalition, sponsors, and youth with a hint of nostalgia that always reminded you of a person behind our marketing.
​
One of our biggest awareness events as an organization was our cycling criterium. It served as a showcasing of what our sponsorships enabled, but more importantly, the leadership,independence, and healthy habits of our cycling teams.
​
Tasked with the communication strategy and planning of the event, I was able to exceed organization asks and establish a stronger connection with local leaders and community members.
​
​
Prior to my time here, BCYC never hosted a permitted event. Therefore, I had to navigate the unfamiliar territory of scouting and mapping a site while communicating needs to our head office, city officials, and teammates.
​
In short, we curated timelines that aligned with 24 coaches, 60 students, and sponsors to assure the event was populated with the individuals who make this program possible. In addition, I bridged communication gaps between the organization and city officials. Ultimately, shutting down Hunting Park with a police escort for the races of youth athletes shining in front of family, friends, sponsors, and community members.
​
Through a cycling event, we communicated the power of getting youth on bikes.​
​
With the support of our staff and volunteers, the BCYC Criterium was a success. Fifty-six out of 90 (8 out of 12 schools) student athletes participated resulting in a 62 percent athlete and 66 percent site attendance rating. Scoring approximately 15 points above the target attendance. Given this was the first season out of a pandemic, these numbers marked a milestone for the organization.
​
​Additionally, engagement from community spectators lead to an increase in inquiry for the program and awareness for our sponsors. Many spectators tuned into the program's social media and QR codes while enjoying the treats and noting the prizes from our sponsors.
​
More importantly, the organization gained a life-long contact with city officials in both the police and city permit department to assure the smooth running of future BCYC events.
The mission was to use the sport of cycling to promote healthy habits, leadership, and healthy habits within Philadelphia youth, and we sold nothing short of it.