- United States of America
About Program
Bike & Build engages young adults in service-oriented cycling trips to raise awareness for the affordable housing cause. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that fosters a sustained connection to community.
Each summer, riders join 3 different routes from the East Coast to the West Coast of the United States. The routes include:
Central U.S.: After the first build day in Virginia, riders tackle the enchanting Blue Ridge Mountains, pedal through the Rockies, and end with following the path of Lewis and Clark to Astoria, OR.
Northern U.S.: Kicking off in Portsmouth, NH, riders traverse the New England Mountains to swoop through the Midwest, and cap the ride off through the Cascade Mountains.
Southern U.S.: Starting in Jacksonville Beach, FL, riders hug the Gulf of Mexico en route to New Orleans, link up with the historic Route 66, and end up in beautiful Santa Barbara, CA.
Video and Photos
Program Highlights
- Build advocacy skills by connecting with varies communities across the U.S.
- Explore the stunning landscape of the U.S. by bike
- Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity while creating lasting friendships
- Join a cohort of 3,600+ civically engaged alumni
- Create impact through hands-on building for affordable housing projects
Program Impact
Bike & Build is so much more than just a yearly bike trip. From when riders sign up for a trip, to on the road, to post-trip impact, Bike & Build addresses affordable housing from many angles and throughout all aspects of our program.
Every Bike & Build rider participates in a curriculum designed to inform not only our riders, but also the community members that our riders meet during the summer. On the road, rider teams stop about every fifth day and riders trade their bikes for hammers or saws to help on an affordable housing build site with a local affiliate. Prior to the trip every rider must complete 15 hours of “sweat equity” volunteer work on a local affordable housing affiliate site in their communities. Our riders are very much ambassadors for the affordable housing cause. Riders prepare host presentations for the various church congregations and other community members who may host them overnight or for a meal in order to talk a little bit about the cause and why they are dedicating their summer to this cause.
