Riding for Focus Grants

Riding for Focus Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Outride
Last Updated: March 07, 2026

Summary

The Riding for Focus Grants program supports public middle schools serving low-income students, providing them with bicycles, helmets, and educational resources to promote cycling. Through this program, schools can enhance their students' cognitive, physical, and socio-emotional well-being. The curriculum consists of 14 lessons focused on rider safety and skills, designed to be delivered over 6-8 weeks. Eligible schools can apply for grants or purchase the program to access these invaluable resources.

Overview

The Riding For Focus program grant is the foundation for unlocking the social, emotional, and cognitive benefits of cycling. RIDING FOR FOCUS (R4F) is a school-based rider education program. Developed as a result of our initial research findings, R4F promotes cycling as an outlet for students to improve their cognitive, physical, and socio-emotional well-being. Schools can acquire R4F via two pathways - by purchasing the program, or, for public middle schools serving low-income communities, by applying for a program grant. Schools are provided with everything they need to get their 6th-8th grade students riding, including bikes, helmets, curriculum, teacher training, and an opportunity to attend our annual instructor training event at a Specialized bikes office. Curriculum The program includes 14 lessons on rider safety and skills.The program is designed to be implemented over 6-8 weeksInstructors are expected to complete the program evaluation protocol each time they run a unit. Progam Evaluation Protocol Each program is required to complete each time a unit is run:Student pre-surveyStudent post-survey(Mandatory) Instructor implementation survey Students should be allowed to opt-out of surveys The Equipment Each program grant includes: 1 fleet of Specialized Rockhoppers (20 - 35 bikes of various sizes)1 helmet per bike Maintenence Each program site is responsible for their own maintenance and upkeep on the bikes and equipment. We can work with you to connect you to bike shops in your area. Please see FAQs for additional guidelines.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Eligibile applicants for R4F are public middle schools primarily serving students from low-income backgrounds (>40% of school population)Why?Access to cycling and its benefits is uneven and Outride aims to direct resources where the most impact can made.Schools not meeting this threshold may purchase the program.To receive a program grant:Public (Traditional or Charter), Title 1 recipient (or serving 40%+ students receiving free and reduced lunch), middle school (grades 5-8).  A consortium of a public, Title 1 middle school and a local nonprofit partner for implementation support (all equipment and materials will be distributed to the school and owned by the school without exception) R4F instructor Each grant school must have two certified instructorsCertified instructors must be a teacher of record at the school granted the program who will be directly instructing studentsCertified instructors cannot be administrators, volunteers, observers who won’t be directly instructing studentsTraining and Professional DevelopmentInstructors must complete an online training courseOne instructor from each newly granted school will receive an all-expenses paid ticket to our annual R4F Instructor camp (attendance is highly encouraged)

Ineligibility

Any school or organization may purchase the program, but we will not grant to:Independent, private, or for profit schools standalone nonprofitsnon-school government agencies