On October 4th the Ashland Cherryland Healthy Communities Collaborative (ACHCC) put on the first-ever Eden Walk and Roll Fest. The youth-centered celebration of biking and walking was a huge success, built in partnership with 25 nonprofit and county agencies involved in the ACHCC, including Alameda County Probation, REACH Ashland Youth Center, Resources for Community Development, and Bike East Bay.
For the afternoon, the grounds of the REACH Ashland Youth Center were transformed for the event, with the goal of increasing healthy activity, biking, and walking in the community and to get residents ready for International Walk & Ride to School Day on October 10th. In an unincorporated neighborhood where walking and biking can be challenging due to poor infrastructure and many barriers to safe access, Bike East Bay is dedicated to building community around active transportation while partnering with other local organizations and agencies to advocate for separated bikeways and improved access to transit.
More than 80 young people entered the bike raffle, and 17 lucky participants rode home with a new bike. More than 45 riders tried on new techniques at the bike rodeo safety course, and 26 bikes were repaired at the Bike Mobile. In addition to jump roping, dancing, scooting, smoothie making and more, a few attendees even learned to ride a bike for the very first time.
Jayme, age 13, who won one of the bikes in the raffle, said, “I am very excited that I got a bike. I rode it in the Fam Fest 5K. I’ve been riding my bike everyday after school for an hour. My health is important to me.”
Breann Gala from Resources for Community Development, remarks, “I am thrilled to be a part of an effort to break down the silos and barriers that often prevent collaboration and innovation! This cross-sector collaboration between public health, transportation, criminal justice, affordable housing, and youth development agencies is bringing significant resources to build community in unincorporated Alameda County.”
Eden Walk and Roll Fest was a fun and successful example of partnership between nonprofits, community groups, and public agencies. Participating organizations included:
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Alameda County Emergency Medical Services
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Alameda County Library
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Alameda County Probation
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Alameda County Public Health Department, Nutrition Services
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Alameda County District 4, Supervisor Nate Miley
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Bike East Bay
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BikeMobile
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La Clinica’s Fuente Wellness Center
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REACH Ashland Youth Center
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Resources for Community Development (RCD)
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Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center
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