On Tuesday evenings this term, students gather in the Bike Program office at the EMU to teach, learn and build community through the Femme, Trans, Woman-Identifying and Non-Binary Bike School.
The FTWNB Bike School, which is also offered in an open enrollment section, is a six week course hosted by UO’s Outdoor Program. Students learn how to fix flat tires, align wheels and adjust brakes, among other skills. The sequential and comprehensive introduction to bike repair and maintenance can benefit beginner recreational riders, commuters and even seasoned bike riders.
For many active participants, Bike School is about much more than just technical training — it’s about connection and acceptance.
“It’s really special to be a part of such a vibrant community,” Maya Ostroff, a senior at UO, said.
Ostroff, who started working with the Outdoor Program over two years ago, helps lead FTWNB Bike School.
“Being a part of the OP, and eventually working here, was a really big way for me to find my place on campus. Now, it’s really special for me to be able to facilitate that environment for other people,” Ostroff said.
A welcoming environment is prioritized at the bike school due to the often intimidating and male-dominated nature of outdoor spaces. When Ostroff started learning about bike repairs, it was predominantly from men.
“It’s already a lot to be the person who doesn’t know, and then to have those kinds of social power dynamics and history… it’s pretty weighty. I remember feeling really out of place,” Ostroff said. “It’s really important to me to make sure that other people don’t feel that way. I want people to come in here and, no matter who you are, see people who look like you and feel like you’re a part of this.”
Sophomore participant Nicole Tran said the program has succeeded in providing a “very nurturing environment” to both learn and create community in.
“You learn so much from it, but also you get connected with people,” Tran said. “The social aspect of it is what I really have come to enjoy.”
For students who identify with underrepresented groups, the OP also offers scholarships through the Redefining Outdoorsy initiative to increase outdoor accessibility for everyone.
“We are very aware at the OP that the financial barrier to outdoor recreation-type things is huge,” said Ostroff. “(It) is really special that we are able to (help) people who might have those financial barriers be a part of this too.”
