As both a MassBike board member and the event director of Bikes Fight Cancer, I spend a lot of time thinking about how we can get more people on bikes. One of the things I'm most proud of is that Bikes Fight Cancer has created an event designed to make people feel welcome, supported, and confident enough to participate, regardless of their experience, ability, or background.

At this year's 7th Annual Bikes Fight Cancer Charity Ride, presented by PDC Incorporated, more than 570 riders came together at Tree House Brewing Company in South Deerfield. While the event is rooted in Western Massachusetts, 82% of participants traveled from communities across the Commonwealth, showing there is still a demand for inclusive and well-supported cycling events.

Accessibility means different things to different people. For some, it's offering both 25- and 50-mile route options. For others, it's clearly marked roads, well-stocked rest stops, SAG support, or simply knowing there will be volunteers cheering them on. Through our partnership with All Out Adventures, we also offered adaptive trikes, making it possible for even more people to experience the event.

We also believe charity rides should be financially accessible. While fundraising is strongly encouraged—and riders are asked to raise $100—we don't require participants to meet a fundraising minimum. We want the barrier to entry low so anyone who wants to ride in the fight against cancer can take part, feel empowered, and make a difference. Interestingly, our riders still raise an average of more than $500 each, proving that when people connect with a cause, they often exceed expectations.

What I love most is seeing who shows up. Families, couples, coworkers, cycling clubs, and groups of friends all come together for a common cause. This year, the youngest rider to complete the 25-mile route was just 7 years old—the same rider who completed our inaugural event in 2019 from a handlebar seat on his dad's bike. Our oldest rider was 82. Some participants were riding their first organized event, while others have been cycling for decades. Every one of them belonged.

MassBike's mission is to make Massachusetts a better place to bike, and events like Bikes Fight Cancer show what's possible when we remove barriers and create welcoming experiences. People leave with more confidence, new friendships, and a stronger connection to the cycling community and each other.

Of course, they also leave having made a real difference. Together, our riders raised more than $300,000 to support cancer patients, family services, wellness programs, and research across Massachusetts.

If we want more people to choose bikes—for recreation, transportation, or community—we need to keep creating experiences where everyone feels like they belong. I'm proud that Bikes Fight Cancer is one example of what's possible.

Meghan Morin - Co-founder Bikes Fight Cancer, Mass Bike Board Member