The Youth Bike Competition Program helps kids ride safely and thrive,” said Carlos Landeros-Angel, Founder & CEO of Bike 4 A Cause.
Bike 4 A Cause is excited to invite the community to its Learn 2 Ride Day Ribbon Cutting Event on Saturday, November 23, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Westpark Community Center, 450 W Harrison Avenue, Ventura. This free, family-friendly event offers a welcoming environment where children, teens, adults, and parents can build their biking skills, learn essential safety tips, and foster confidence. The day’s schedule includes a keynote address by former California Senator Omer Rains at 3 p.m., opened by a Chumash Blessing, a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, and speeches by Bart Bluel from the Kiwanis Club of Ventura, Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) Board of Education Trustee James Forsythe, and community mental health advocate Sade Champagne. Local, county, and state officials are also expected to join the festivities.
As a seasoned public servant with deep ties to the community, Senator Rains will share insights from his influential career, which has included landmark legislation that secured public beach access and helped establish the Ventura Promenade, also known as the Omer Rains Bikeway. Known for his global humanitarian work, including serving as an advisor to Nelson Mandela, Rains has left an indelible mark on Ventura and beyond. “Senator Rains has done more to advance women’s rights and equality under the law than any legislator in California history,” shared the President of the National Women’s Political Caucus. As an active member of the Bike 4 A Cause Advisory Board, Senator Rains, along with his daughter Jessica Rains, continues his commitment to community well-being by supporting programs that encourage outdoor activity and safe cycling. Thanks to his generosity, children who learn to ride at the event will receive commemorative Bike 4 A Cause T-shirts.
Beyond promoting bike safety, Bike 4 A Cause emphasizes mental wellness and family bonding. Donations raised will support the Youth Bike Competition Program, which last year engaged 114 middle school students who collectively rode over 3,300 miles. This program encourages young riders to choose outdoor activity over screen time, building social connections, physical fitness, and confidence. “We’re honored to have Senator Rains as our keynote speaker,” said Carlos Landeros-Angel, Founder & CEO of Bike 4 A Cause. “As a Bike Safety Instructor for VUSD, I saw firsthand how important it is for kids to get outside, ride safely, and participate in supportive activities. The Youth Bike Competition Program is one way we help make that possible.”
Event Highlights
The Learn 2 Ride Day events take place on the second Saturday of each month at Arroyo Verde Park and the fourth Saturday at Westpark Community Center, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. These events feature guided instruction, safety brochures, and techniques like the Grassy Hill Method to help new riders learn quickly and safely. New riders receive a Certificate of Achievement signed by a Ventura city official, along with a small prize to celebrate their success.
Each event also includes a special guest speaker on bike safety, community resources, and family activities, plus safety updates and the latest California traffic laws for cyclists and e-bike riders provided by the Ventura Police Department to promote safe riding practices for all.
Get Involved!
Families are encouraged to RSVP online to reserve a spot, though walk-ins are welcome anytime between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Visit bike4acause.org for more information on programs, events, and ways to support the Youth Bike Competition Program.
About Bike 4 A Cause
Bike 4 A Cause is dedicated to creating a safe and connected community by promoting bike safety, mental wellness, and family engagement. Through initiatives like Learn 2 Ride Day and the Youth Bike Competition Program, the organization empowers families to build confidence, celebrate milestones, and enjoy healthy outdoor activities together.
Special Thanks
Bike 4 A Cause extends sincere thanks to its sponsors, including the Kiwanis Club of Ventura, TREK, Patagonia, 5 Nerds Software Development, Real Quick Design and Consultation, and Simply SarahLee. Appreciation also goes to our community partners—the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, VUSD, The City of Ventura, and The Housing Authority—for their support in promoting Learn 2 Ride Day. Special recognition goes to CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) for producing a documentary on Bike 4 A Cause through The View, CSUCI’s newspaper, and to CSUCI marketing intern Athena Affholter for designing event flyers.
