BIKES N' ROSES
How it Started
Formed by Communities United youth leaders envisioning a space for a positive outlet in their communities, Bikes N’ Roses (BNR) is a youth-driven bicycle cooperative providing job training and employment opportunities to young people. BNR uses bicycles as both a medium to drive social change and a foundation from which young people can learn and practice skills applicable to college and career, build their self-confidence, develop and strengthen peer and community relationships, and become agents of positive change in their communities.
Our Coordinator
Maxine Aguilar
Maxx Aguilar (he/they) is a passionate advocate for the Black trans community and creating equitable access to cycling. As the new Bikes N Roses Coordinator he remains committed to supporting marginalized communities and youth leadership through his expertise. Aside from cycling, Maxx is also an artist that enjoys portraiture and creating wearable fashion from recycled materials.
Past Events
SRAM HQ Tour and Career Panel
According to Pew Research, 86% of teens say it’s extremely or very important to them to have a job or career they enjoy when they’re an adult. That’s one reason we’re grateful for the opportunity our youth had when they headed to the award-winning, global headquarters of SRAM with Chicago United. There, they heard from professionals of color who found their niches in the cycling industry, including IT, marketing, engineering, and more. A special thank you to SRAM staff, who also gave a behind-the-scenes tour of product development. As we explored a product’s journey from the moment the idea is born, to its final manufacturing, we enjoyed seeing what it takes to be one of the most prominent companies in cycling.
Track Cats Programming
We’re happy to share our shop and equipment with Track Cats, a track cycling team for youth riders in Chicago between the ages 12 and 22. Track Cats’ mission is to introduce youth who are already drawn to track bikes to the velodrome, increase the diversity of track cycling—particularly by uplifting Black youth and girls—and grow ridership at the velodrome.
Annual Ride to Springfield
For three years in a row, we hosted an annual “Shift Gears” tour. A team of 15 youth riders would bike 70 miles a day, for 3 days, and meet with clergy, elected officials, and community leaders along the way to elevate the need for youth investment. These incredible youth would begin with a press conference and call on policymakers to “shift gears” by reinvesting in education, youth jobs, and after school programs. Among these policymakers was the City of Normal’s Mayor Chris Koos, who hosted our team and shared breakfast with us in a hotel!