Elementary and middle school students in Marin City are riding bikes to the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Baker, and Rodeo Beach, destinations several had never visited before, thanks to a partnership between two Marin nonprofits.
Cory's Ride, a program of the Marin County Bicycle Coalition based in Fairfax, teamed up with Play Marin to offer twice-weekly bicycle education for young riders in Marin City. The program meets every Tuesday and Thursday, with students learning to ride confidently, fit helmets, navigate traffic, maintain their bikes, and plan safe routes before heading out on group rides across the county.
Several students told program leaders these summer rides were their first trips to those destinations, according to MCBC's July 9 announcement.
A program born from loss
Cory's Ride was founded in 2020 by Tim and Suzanne Leonoudakis to honor their son Cory, an avid cyclist who passed away. The family partnered with MCBC to build a program aimed at kids who might not otherwise have access to bikes.
The program launched in 2021 with six students at San Rafael High School. By 2022, it expanded to Novato and Canal Alliance, reaching more than 50 students. In 2023, Cory's Ride added the Marin City partnership with Play Marin and surpassed 100 participants. Since 2020, the program has provided more than 200 bikes through its earn-a-bike classes.
Students who complete the six-session course receive their own bike, helmet, lock, and toolkit to keep.
What it looks like on the ground
One of the youngest riders in the group is Quincy. His parent said in a testimonial posted by MCBC: "I'm so proud of Quincy. He is facing fears and exploring with his friends. Epic."
The curriculum covers practical skills beyond recreation: navigating neighborhoods, planning routes to school, and using a bike as daily transportation, according to MCBC.
2026 goals
According to goals listed on its program page, MCBC aims to provide 100 new bikes annually to middle and high school students and host 15 to 20 student-led rides in neighborhoods and open spaces across Marin this year.
Play Marin, a Marin County nonprofit serving youth ages 6 to 18, provides the summer camp infrastructure and connects students to the programming through its sports and enrichment offerings.
The Cory's Ride summer sessions continue Tuesdays and Thursdays in Marin City. More information is available at marinbike.org.
