As we reach the halfway point of 2025, Cycling Unbound Foundation is proud to share the progress we’ve made together toward our mission of making cycling accessible to everyone in Northern Virginia. Thanks to the support of our community partners, volunteers, and donors, we’ve been able to expand our programs and deepen our impact across the region.
This mid-year report reflects our commitment to transparency and accountability as a 501(c)(3) organization, demonstrating how your support is creating real change in our communities.
Our Impact by the Numbers
Community Access Programs
Program | 2025 Goal | Mid-Year Progress | Families Served |
Bikes Distributed | 400 | 247 | 189 |
Safety Classes Taught | 50 | 31 | 425 participants |
Free Repairs Completed | 800 | 523 | 301 |
Community Rides | 24 | 15 | 287 participants |
Financial Overview
Total Revenue (Jan-June 2025): $287,450
- Individual Donations: $156,300 (54%)
- Foundation Grants: $98,500 (34%)
- Corporate Sponsorships: $22,150 (8%)
- Fundraising Events: $10,500 (4%)
Program Expenses: $198,200 (84% of total expenses)
- Community Bike Programs: $89,400
- Infrastructure Advocacy: $45,300
- Education & Safety: $38,600
- Environmental Initiatives: $24,900
Administrative Costs: $38,100 (16% of total expenses)
Success Stories: Real Impact in Our Communities
Maria’s Story: Transportation Independence
“When I lost my job during the pandemic, I couldn’t afford to keep my car. Cycling Unbound helped me get a bike and taught me safe routes to get around. Now I have two part-time jobs that I can bike to, and I’m saving money while getting healthier. My kids are proud that their mom bikes to work!” – Maria R., Alexandria
Impact: Maria is one of 73 community members who received employment-focused cycling support this year, with 89% reporting increased job opportunities due to improved transportation access.
The Johnson Family: Building Confidence
“Our 12-year-old was afraid to ride in traffic, and honestly, so were we. The family cycling class taught us all how to ride safely together. Now we bike to the library, the park, and even some errands. It’s become our favorite family activity.” – David Johnson, Herndon
Impact: The Johnson family participated in our new Family Cycling Program, which has served 67 families in its first year, with 94% reporting increased confidence in cycling with children.
Route 1 Community Center Partnership
Working with the Route 1 Community Center, we established a permanent bike repair station and monthly fix-it clinics that have become a community gathering point. The program is staffed by volunteer mechanics and serves primarily immigrant families who rely on cycling for transportation.
Impact: 156 bikes repaired, $12,000 in estimated transportation cost savings for families, and creation of a sustainable community resource.
Policy & Advocacy Achievements
Infrastructure Wins
- Fairfax County Complete Streets Policy: Successfully advocated for inclusion of equity requirements in the county’s new complete streets policy
- Route 1 Bike Lane Extension: Secured $2.3 million in funding for 3.2 miles of protected bike lanes connecting to Huntington Metro
- School Safety Zones: Worked with FCPS to implement 15 mph speed limits and enhanced crossing infrastructure near 8 elementary schools
Regional Coalition Building
We’ve strengthened partnerships with:
- Virginia Bicycling Federation: Joint advocacy on state-level infrastructure funding
- Washington Area Bicyclist Association: Regional trail connectivity projects
- Local Housing Justice Organizations: Ensuring transportation equity in affordable housing developments
- Environmental Groups: Climate action through sustainable transportation
Environmental Impact
Carbon Emissions Prevented
Based on tracking data from our community programs:
- Car trips replaced: 23,400 trips
- Miles cycled instead of driven: 89,200 miles
- CO2 emissions prevented: 35.7 tons
- Gasoline saved: 3,570 gallons
- Estimated economic value: $14,280 in fuel savings for families
“Miles for the Planet” Challenge Results
Our community challenge exceeded expectations:
- Participants: 89 individuals and families
- Total miles logged: 67,400 miles (67% of annual goal)
- CO2 prevented: 26.9 tons
- Top participant: The Chen family (2,340 miles cycled instead of driven)
Community Partnership Highlights
New Partnerships in 2025
Revolution Cycles (Arlington)
Expanded partnership providing discounted repairs and maintenance classes for program participants. Their “Pay It Forward” program has funded 23 free bike tune-ups for families in need.
Northern Virginia Community College
Launched a pilot program offering bike maintenance certification courses, with graduates eligible for employment at partner bike shops. First cohort of 12 students graduated in May.
Fairfax County Health Department
Collaborative initiative promoting cycling as preventive healthcare, with bike prescriptions for patients at three community health centers.
Volunteer Program Growth
- Active volunteers: 127 (up from 89 in 2024)
- Volunteer hours contributed: 1,840 hours
- Estimated volunteer value: $47,840
- Volunteer retention rate: 87%
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Infrastructure Delays
Several planned infrastructure projects faced delays due to funding allocation and bureaucratic processes. We’ve learned the importance of building broader political coalitions and engaging earlier in the planning process.
Language Accessibility
We identified gaps in our ability to serve Arabic-speaking communities and have hired a part-time bilingual coordinator and developed Arabic-language safety materials.
Equipment Demand
Demand for bikes, especially family-appropriate models, has consistently exceeded supply. We’re exploring partnerships with bike manufacturers and expanding our refurbishment program.
Looking Ahead: Second Half of 2025
Program Expansions
E-Bike Lending Library
Launching in September with 15 e-bikes available for 2-week loans, specifically targeting workers with longer commutes and families needing cargo capacity.
Youth Leadership Program
Training high school students from underserved communities as bike safety educators and junior advocates, with paid internship opportunities.
Corporate Partnership Initiative
Working with major Northern Virginia employers to implement bike-friendly policies and employee cycling incentives.
Infrastructure Advocacy Priorities
- Metro Connection Project: Securing protected bike lanes connecting Route 1 to Huntington Metro
- Regional Trail Network: Advocating for cross-county trail connectivity
- School Zone Safety: Expanding 15 mph zones and protected crossing infrastructure
- Affordable Housing Integration: Ensuring new developments include bike infrastructure and storage
How We Measure Success
Quantitative Metrics
- Accessibility: Number of bikes distributed and families served
- Safety: Reduction in cyclist injuries in target areas
- Environment: CO2 emissions prevented and car trips replaced
- Advocacy: Policy wins and infrastructure improvements secured
Qualitative Indicators
- Community engagement: Participation in rides, meetings, and advocacy efforts
- Confidence building: Self-reported comfort levels with cycling
- Economic impact: Transportation cost savings and employment access
- Health outcomes: Physical activity levels and healthcare access
Financial Transparency
How Every Dollar is Used
For every $100 donated to Cycling Unbound Foundation:
- $38: Community bike access programs (bikes, repairs, safety gear)
- $19: Infrastructure advocacy and policy work
- $16: Education and safety training programs
- $11: Environmental and climate action initiatives
- $16: Administrative costs (staff, facilities, financial management)
Efficiency Comparison
Our administrative cost ratio of 16% compares favorably to the nonprofit sector average of 25%, ensuring that the vast majority of your support goes directly to programs serving our community.
Thank You to Our Supporters
Major Donors (With Permission)
- Anonymous Foundation: $50,000 general operating support
- Virginia Environmental Endowment: $25,000 for climate action programs
- Community Foundation for Northern Virginia: $15,000 for equity initiatives
- Local Business Coalition: $12,000 for youth programs
Corporate Partners
- Revolution Cycles: Equipment donations and volunteer hours
- Trek Bicycle Corporation: Wholesale pricing on safety equipment
- Local Credit Unions: Financial literacy workshops for program participants
Community Champions
Special recognition to our volunteer coordinators, community liaisons, and advocacy team members who make our work possible. Your dedication transforms individual donations into community change.
Join Our Mission
Ways to Get Involved
Volunteer Opportunities
- Bike Mechanics: Lead repair clinics at community centers
- Safety Instructors: Teach bike safety classes to children and adults
- Event Support: Help organize community rides and advocacy events
- Administrative: Data entry, social media, and office support
- Translation: Help serve our multilingual community
Donation Impact
- $50: Provides a safety kit (helmet, lights, lock) for a new cyclist
- $150: Funds a refurbished bike for a family in need
- $300: Sponsors a family cycling safety class
- $500: Supports our advocacy work for one month
- $1,000: Funds a community repair clinic for a full year
Corporate Partnership
We’re seeking business partners who share our commitment to community equity and environmental sustainability. Opportunities include:
- Employee volunteer programs
- Equipment donations and sponsorships
- Workplace bike-friendly policies
- Event sponsorship and community engagement
Annual Report Preview
Our full 2025 Annual Report will be published in January 2026, featuring:
- Complete financial audit results
- Detailed program outcome evaluations
- Community impact stories and testimonials
- 2026 strategic planning priorities
- Expanded partnership and funding information
Contact and Connect
Stay Engaged
- Newsletter: Monthly updates on programs and opportunities
- Social Media: Follow @CyclingUnboundNOVA for daily updates
- Community Meetings: First Tuesday of each month, 7 PM at various locations
- Volunteer Orientation: Third Saturday of each month, 10 AM
Get in Touch
- General Information: info@cyclingunbound.org
- Volunteer Coordination: volunteer@cyclingunbound.org
- Donations and Partnerships: development@cyclingunbound.org
- Program Services: programs@cyclingunbound.org
- Advocacy and Policy: advocacy@cyclingunbound.org
Looking Forward Together
The first half of 2025 has shown us the power of community-driven change. Every bike distributed, every safety class taught, and every advocacy victory represents not just numbers on a page, but real improvements in people’s lives and our shared environment.
As we move into the second half of 2025, we’re energized by the momentum we’ve built together. With your continued support, we’ll expand our programs, deepen our impact, and continue working toward a Northern Virginia where cycling is safe, accessible, and welcoming for everyone.
Thank you for being part of this movement. Together, we’re not just changing transportation—we’re building stronger, healthier, more equitable communities.
Cycling Unbound Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: XX-XXXXXXX) dedicated to making cycling accessible to all residents of Northern Virginia through community programs, infrastructure advocacy, and environmental action. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
Ready to join our mission? Visit cyclingunbound.org/get-involved or email us at info@cyclingunbound.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities, donation options, and ways to support cycling equity in Northern Virginia.