Hundreds of Tulsa Public Schools students ride through downtown during Bike Club's final ride of the year May 13, 2026. The ride started at Hardesty National BMX Stadium and concluded at The Gathering Place.
Hundreds of Tulsa Public Schools students ride through downtown during Bike Club's final ride of the year May 13, 2026. The ride started at Hardesty National BMX Stadium and concluded at The Gathering Place. Credit: Milo Gladstein / Tulsa Flyer

Hundreds of Tulsa Public Schools students climbed on bikes and strapped on helmets Wednesday in a culmination of a journey that began last fall. 

All were participants in Bike Club, an afterschool program that has expanded to 37 TPS campuses since arriving at Emerson Elementary in 2014. From September through May, volunteers meet weekly with fourth through eighth graders to teach the basics of cycling and other skills like confidence, listening and teamwork.

After months of preparation, students completed their graduation ride from the Hardesty National BMX Stadium to The Gathering Place. Tulsa Flyer photojournalists Molly McElwain, Milo Gladstein and Bianca Worley captured the action. 

Over 500 Bike Club students and volunteers set out on a 5-mile bike ride through downtown May 13, 2026. The ride started at the Hardesty National BMX Stadium and ended at The Gathering Place.
Beginning in the back row, left to right: Hoover Elementary students Kolten, Jaxon, Allison, Ayden, Addison, Rayne, Julie, Ezra and Julian pose for a photo before the Bike Club Rally ride on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
Hundreds of Tulsa Public Schools students ride through downtown during Bike Club's final ride of the year May 13, 2026. The ride started at Hardesty National BMX Stadium and concluded at The Gathering Place.
Hundreds of Tulsa Public Schools students ride through downtown during Bike Club's final ride of the year May 13, 2026. The ride started at Hardesty National BMX Stadium and concluded at The Gathering Place.
Over 500 Bike Club students and volunteers set out on a 5-mile bike ride through downtown May 13, 2026. The ride started at the Hardesty National BMX Stadium and ended at The Gathering Place.
Hundreds of Tulsa Public Schools students ride through downtown during Bike Club's final ride of the year May 13, 2026. The ride started at Hardesty National BMX Stadium and concluded at The Gathering Place.
Hundreds of Tulsa Public Schools students ride through downtown during Bike Club's final ride of the year May 13, 2026. The ride started at Hardesty National BMX Stadium and concluded at The Gathering Place.
Carolyn Fairless, a member of Bike Club for 10 years, walks after the May 13, 2026, Bike Club Rally ride to The Gathering Place.
Students and riders being served lunch and water at The Gathering Place following Bike Club's final ride of the year May 13, 2026.
Tulsa Bike Club member Linda Drink poses after the group's final ride of the year on May 13, 2026. She says her favorite part of being in the bike club is being able to teach kids how to be safe while riding.

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