You chose to provide a short written description (up to 300 words) explaining how your organization makes an impact in the community.The FLagstaff Youth RiderS (FLYRS) is a Flagstaff-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that uses mountain biking to develop resilient, caring, and growth-oriented young people. Founded in 2016, FLYRS has grown into a cornerstone of our community, serving over 1,000 youth annually through year-round programming for ages 2–18.
Our deepest impact is in our free, school-based programs at seven Title I schools across Flagstaff, a few include Killip, Marshall, Puente de Hózhó, MEMS, and Cromer Elementary. These programs deliver 7-week sessions at no cost to families, bikes, helmets, curriculum, and trained coaching are all provided. In 2025, our school-based programs served 147 students with 47% female participation and 47% Youth of Color, far exceeding the national cycling industry average of 10–20%. Across all programs, 85% of participants come from low-socioeconomic households, 30% identify as Hispanic/Latine, and 20% are Native American.
Mountain biking offers so much to developing youth. It improves cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, reduces symptoms of depression, builds cognitive skills, and fosters confidence, connection, personal development and benefits that last a lifetime. We see these changes happen on a weekly basis with our participants, and we measure this with our pre and post-season surveys.
FLYRS is the only organization in Flagstaff delivering structured, school-embedded mountain bike programming with full equipment and professional coaching at Title I schools. We also extend our reach through partnerships with the Boys & Girls Club, Camp Indigenius, and Child & Family Support Services. In 2025, we distributed over $45,000 in financial aid, because cost should never determine which child gets to ride.
Every dollar invested in FLYRS stays in Flagstaff, serving Flagstaff youth, on Flagstaff trails. A grant from Arizona Financial Foundation would directly expand access for the young people who need it most.
Social media handlesInstagram: flyrsmtb
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Flagstaffyouthriders