Published August 26, 2024
Each year Mattapan on Wheels brings together residents from across Boston to ride throughout the beautiful green and blue spaces in Mattapan. The 3 bike rides follow popular trails and end with a party featuring food trucks and live music. After 14 years, Mattapan on Wheels has become a staple in Mattapan. In 2023, we had over 70 participants attend the event and this year tons more came, over 120! None of it would be possible without the organizing and hosting support of our Vigorous Youth, aged 14-21. Using their curiosity and creativity, they bring new perspectives and ideas that MoW would lack without their input. These youth, our leaders of today and tomorrow, get to meet residents at the event and learn about the impact of community grassroots organizations like MFFC. We asked them some questions to hear more about what Mattapan on Wheels means to them.
Sony is a recent high school graduate, congratulations! In 2023, Sony helped to coordinate Mattapan on Wheels, saying that it, “Was amazing, as it has helped me develop a strong focus on endurance, discipline, effective communication and cooperation skills.” While a lot of planning goes on internally between MFFC staff and our volunteer committee – when it comes to the big day, youth have to be up and volunteering for 8 hours. Meeting and assisting riders requires effective communication and cooperation, a skill that Sony quickly refined as he worked to get riders situated and answer questions. With a public facing role in MoW, Sony mentioned that, “For me MOW means community, family and also the opportunity to meet new people. And also it was an opportunity for me to be a leader.” Each year, MoW proves that biking rises beyond exercise, that it is a community-building event that forges new relationships between residents and organizations and Sony was at the forefront of it in 2023.
Chris, a Vigorous Youth alum who volunteered at MoW last year, shared fond memories of a slight mishap at the previous MoW that taught him about what MoW is all about. He recalled, “Mattapan on Wheels is all about bringing everyone from our community together to get active by embracing the biking culture that we lack. One of my favorite memories was last year during MOW we had a bunch of people who ended up getting flat tires during the end of the family route. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, we all had a positive attitude and still had fun during our unpredicted mishap.” Biking can always be unpredictable but Chris’s positive attitude kept the event lighthearted, and luckily we had the help from Bikes not Bombs for some basic bike repair! Tires can pop but Chris’s biggest takeaway was the event providing the opportunity to meet new residents while volunteering or participating, “I think people should come to see who’s really in our community and to see how much people care about Mattapan’s health. Our green spaces give people a reason to be proud of calling Mattapan their home. It’s also beneficial for our community’s mental health as a whole.” Chris’s emphasis on community relationships is crucial when planning how to best serve residents in events like these.
Current Vigorous Youth member, London, learned how to ride a bike while working Mattapan on Wheels this year! London took the time to get community members involved in biking because she recognized the importance of exercise in green spaces but hadn’t had the opportunity herself to learn. Before MoW, London said, “Going outside on a nice day just biking is some good exercise, and going out just for fresh air releases stress and any negative feelings. I know once I get the hang of bike riding I will love it.” During the hustle and bustle of the day, the Boston Bikes crew, MFFC staff, volunteers, and community members took the time to show London the basics of bike riding so that she too could enjoy the benefits. This is what Mattapan on Wheels is all about, showing Mattapan residents the benefits of biking and coming together as a community to enable everyone to bike. The more of us that know what biking has to offer, the more opportunities to get more residents and neighbors involved. After the event, London wanted to drop everything she was doing to keep biking, “After four amazing people teaching me at the Mattapan On Wheels, I just want to bike all the time. It's so calm and refreshing. I used to be TERRIBLE at riding a bike now I love it!”
Giving youth a stake in these projects, where they can engage directly with residents and facilitate events teaches them valuable personal skills but also gives them a new perspective on biking and community organizing. While not everyone learned to ride a bike this year, our youth leaders still walked away with many new perspectives. Youth member Sarah notes that, “I like how biking can be convenient for those who don’t have a car or take public transportation.” By speaking to residents, youth can broaden their perspectives and understand why different means of transportation and infrastructure are necessary, helping MFFC with transportation advocacy.
But of course, the Vigorous Youth have more opportunities to be the leaders of today and tomorrow. Right now they’re excited for the Youth Bike Summit that is coming to Boston in 2025! The Youth Bike Summit is a 3-day national conference bringing together students, educators, and advocates to build community and share ideas; give youth a voice, and; encourage civic engagement and advocacy. Through workshops, presentations, and discussion, we transform dialogue into action, giving youth leaders a platform to effect change. Our Vigorous Youth visited the Youth Bike Summit 2024 and are now preparing to be leaders of the summit in 2025.
Youth member Philando is especially excited, “Events like the Youth Bike Summit, where biking is incentivized will help me incorporate biking exercise into my everyday life,” and youth member Victoria looks forward to its impact, “Biking is a great way to get out and enjoy the fresh air, it is a fun way to connect with others as well. Events like the Youth Bike Summit can connect people from all parts of the country to share their experiences with biking.” Giving youth the opportunity to learn about residents and transportation has transformed them into conscious advocates in Mattapan. This year’s MoW has prepared them with the skills they’ll need to use at the Youth Bike Summit in 2025.
Events like Mattapan on Wheels and the Youth Bike Summit celebrate our community, give youth the opportunity to step into leadership roles, and support the advocacy for biking and infrastructure. Youth learn practical skills like volunteering and event management but learn how to hear the community and make decisions that result in meaningful change that benefits their neighborhood.
Learn more about the Youth Bike Summit here.
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