Bike Club OKC is a after-school cycling program transforming the lives of students across Oklahoma City through mentorship, hands-on STEAM education, and resilience-building. We at Reid first discovered them when they gifted some of our bikes to their graduating students, and we were instantly inspired. Their mission, impact, and passion for community caught our attention, and we knew their story deserved to be shared. Keep reading to learn what makes Bike Club OKC so special and how you can support their incredible work.
Could you introduce yourselves and who Bike Club OKC is…
We’re Bike Club OKC - a life-changing after-school cycling program that serves students in underserved communities across Oklahoma City. At first glance, we’re about bikes. But if you look closer, you’ll see we’re about so much more: mentorship, resilience, teamwork, healthy lifestyles, and hands-on STEAM education.
Bike Club OKC was founded in 2018 by Alyssa Lutz, a two-time national cycling champion and former elementary school teacher. After a life-threatening crash left her battling physical recovery and emotional challenges, Alyssa discovered that getting back on the bike wasn’t just healing, it was transformational. Her personal journey helped her realize that cycling wasn’t just her passion, it was her purpose. That purpose became Bike Club OKC.
What started with 25 students at one school has grown into a powerful movement that now operates in seven public schools across Oklahoma City. To date, we have provided STEAM-focused programming to more than 700 students, and have given out over 1,000 bikes. We use bicycles as a vehicle, literally and figuratively, to teach problem solving, communication, perseverance, and teamwork, all while building confidence and connection.
Our students earn bikes, learn how to fix and maintain them, explore their neighbourhoods, and discover new possibilities for their futures. We believe every kid deserves the chance to ride, to be mentored, and to feel seen - and Bike Club OKC is how we make that happen.
What motivates the individuals involved in leading and supporting Bike Club OKC?
Our volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization. With more than 97 dedicated community members serving as Ride Ambassadors, mentors, and cheerleaders, Bike Club OKC thrives because of their passion, commitment, and belief in what’s possible when you invest in young people.
These volunteers aren’t just helping students ride bikes, they’re building relationships, modelling resilience, and creating lasting memories. Many have shared how they have grown through Bike Club OKC, visiting places they had never explored in their own city, learning about Oklahoma history and government alongside our students, and discovering the joy of spending time outdoors in a meaningful way.
What motivates them? It’s the smiles. The stories. The transformation. They see the value of this life-changing program, and they’re proud to be part of something that is about so much more than bikes, it’s about connection, purpose, and community.
At Bike Club OKC, our volunteers don’t just show up - they show up with heart.
Could you share a key story or moment that you feel really encapsulates what the organization is all about?
There are so many stories that capture the spirit of Bike Club OKC - but one theme always rises to the top: transformation.
When our seventh year began in September 2024, 30% of our students ages 9 to 13 had never been on a bike. Not one. Some were nervous, others embarrassed, a few even convinced they’d never learn. But by the end of the program, like every year before, we saw a 100% success rate in teaching students how to ride, care for their bike, and navigate their community safely and confidently.
One of our favourite moments comes early in the season when a student who once clung to the handlebars with fear suddenly lifts their feet, glides forward, and realizes they’re riding. The joy is overwhelming. Their smile stretches ear to ear, and the group typically erupts in cheers. That moment of victory isn't just about balance, it’s about confidence, courage, and knowing you’re capable.
From there, the journey continues. Students start with a 2-mile group ride. Then 5. Then 10. Each mile is earned, not just pedalled. These students work hard, not only on their bikes but in school too. To remain in Bike Club, they’re required to maintain Attendance, Behaviour, and Coursework and they do, because they love the experience and feel the support of their peers and mentors.
Bike Club OKC isn’t just about riding bikes. It’s about proving to kids that they can do hard things and that their community believes in them every step of the way.
Could you share the inspiration behind your initiative of gifting 72 Reid Bikes and how it connects with the core mission of Bike Club OKC?
At Bike Club OKC, all of our students ages 9 to 13 are required to maintain their Attendance, Behaviour, and Coursework to stay in the program. That’s a big ask, especially in communities where support systems can be limited. But our students rise to the challenge. They show up. They try hard. They grow. And when they complete the program, they don’t just walk away with memories, they ride away with a brand-new bike.
Our program is completely free to participants, and one of its most empowering components is the “earned bike” model. These bikes represent more than a reward; they symbolize progress, perseverance, and freedom.
This year, we proudly celebrated 175 student graduates, and we wanted to make sure every single one received a quality bike they’d be excited and proud to ride. After searching far and wide for something durable, reliable, and affordable, our local Reid dealer recommended Reid 27.5" Sport Disc Mountain Bikes for our taller students. We were immediately impressed with the quality and fit and so were our students. Their excitement when they rolled out on their new Reid bikes was pure joy.
Gifting these bikes is not just about transportation, it’s about transformation. Reid Bikes became a meaningful part of that journey this year. Together, with Reid Bikes, we are changing lives, two wheels at a time.
What message do you hope this initiative sends to the wider community about the values and work of Bike Club OKC?
We hope this initiative sends a clear message: when you invest in young people, when you give them time, mentorship, and tools to succeed the results are powerful and lasting.
At Bike Club OKC, our work goes far beyond bikes. We’re showing students that their hard work matters, that their community believes in them, and that they are capable of doing hard things. The earned bikes are more than a gift, they’re a symbol of perseverance, achievement, and freedom. And when a student takes that bike home, it becomes a reminder that they have the strength, the support, and the skills to keep moving forward.
To the wider community, we hope this initiative shines a light on the power of equity, access, and opportunity. We believe every child regardless of zip code, deserves the chance to be seen, to be challenged, and to succeed. When we come together to support programs like Bike Club OKC, we’re not just building better riders, we’re building a stronger, healthier, more connected city.
After our fourth year in the OKC eastside community, we have given out over 100 bikes. This community is now seeing kids on bikes.
This isn’t just about bikes. It’s about believing in kids and building a community that rides beside them.
Could you tell us more about why Bike Club OKC specifically chose Reid, and perhaps share your experience working with us as the distributor?
Why did we choose Reid? Honestly it was one of the easiest decisions we’ve made in seven years of running Bike Club OKC.
When it came time to order bikes for our graduating students, we were looking for something specific: a bike that was high-quality, affordable, and built to last, something our students would be proud to ride. Our trusted local partner, Wheeler Dealer Bicycles, immediately recommended the Reid Sport Disc MTB. We ordered one bike as a sample, and the moment we unboxed it, we knew: this was the one.
The quality was excellent. The fit was just right for our taller students. And the price made it possible for us to stretch our resources further so we could get more kids on bikes.
But the best part? The experience working with Reid. It was seamless. Truly one of the smoothest, most stress-free purchases we’ve ever made. In fact, it became a bit of an inside joke - Jason Johannpeter, the shop owner, said he’d get us the tracking number after the order shipped… but before we even got the number, the bikes had already arrived!
That kind of service and the trust we could place in both Reid and our local dealer made all the difference. We’re proud to have Reid bikes under our students, and even prouder to partner with a brand that helps us roll out our mission: changing lives, two wheels at a time.
For individuals or organizations inspired by this initiative, what are some ways they can get involved or support Bike Club OKC's efforts?
Inspired by Bike Club OKC? There are so many ways to get involved and we’d love to have you ride alongside us.
On a local level, volunteers are essential to what we do. Our Ride Ambassadors help lead weekly bike rides, mentor students, and ensure every session is safe, meaningful, and fun. No bike mechanic skills required, just a heart for kids, a little time, and a willingness to make a difference.
On a broader scale, we rely entirely on grant funding and generous support from individuals, businesses, and foundations. Every dollar helps us provide bikes, helmets, gear, snacks, field trips, and unforgettable opportunities to students who might not otherwise have access. Corporate sponsorships, community partnerships, and even gently used bikes all help keep our wheels turning.
Whether you’re based in Oklahoma City or halfway around the world, if you believe in the power of mentorship, movement, and equity - you’re part of our community.
To learn more or get involved, visit us at www.bikeclubokc.org or follow us on social media @bikeclubokc.
Together, we can keep changing lives, two wheels at a time.
Looking ahead, what are Bike Club OKC's aspirations for the future of this program?
As we look to the future, Bike Club OKC’s top priority is to secure sustainable funding to continue serving the seven schools currently on our roster. Maintaining consistency is vital to building trust and delivering long-term impact in the communities we serve.
We also aim to expand our reach by adding new schools to the program and deepening our community impact through increased summer programming. In the 2025–26 season, we’re excited to launch Saturday Spokes & Skills - a hands-on, family-focused initiative that will offer basic bike maintenance and tire-changing clinics. This new offering allows parents and guardians to engage more directly with our mission, helping us build a culture of cycling and shared learning that extends beyond the school day.
Our ultimate aspiration is to create lasting, positive change by empowering students and families with the tools, skills, and confidence to thrive both on and off the bike.
From first rides to 10-mile group journeys, Bike Club OKC is redefining what after-school programs can achieve. Students not only earn bikes, they gain life skills, support systems, and pride in their accomplishments. With over 700 students reached the organization proves that meaningful change starts with belief, community, and a pair of wheels. Check out Bike Club OKC on their socials @bikeclubokc.