At PeopleForBikes, we believe that when communities and the bike industry work together, big things happen. In Payson, Arizona, a powerful partnership between national brands, local champions, and a committed nonprofit created a thriving model for youth cycling and community recreation that can be replicated in towns across the country.

Payson’s story began as a spark from local leaders and Wheel Fun, a local nonprofit with a mission to create community, improve mental and physical health, and cultivate a love for the outdoors for underserved rural Arizona youth through free mountain biking programs. It soon evolved into a district-wide cycling ecosystem, complete with bike clubs, school-based classes, a flagship skills park, and hands-on technical career training. At every step, industry leaders from SRAM, Trek, Shimano, Giant, and Outride worked alongside educators and local visionaries to build something truly special.

The Payson Unified School District is quickly becoming a national leader in school-based cycling programs, with its rapid growth fueled by Wheel Fun, which operates more than 48 after-school bike programs across Arizona. In 2022, Wheel Fun expanded its mission by building bike skills parks directly on school properties. Their fourth project included the Longhorn Bike Skills Park at Rim Country Middle School (RCMS) in Payson, which opened in April 2024, the first of its kind in Gila County.

Sponsored by the Trek Foundation, the Longhorn Bike Skills Park was designed with progression at its core. Its 2,500 linear feet of trails weave through natural terrain, offering climbing lines, beginner and intermediate features, a skills area, and a pump track. Riders can practice berms, kickers, skinnies, and other foundational mountain bike skills in a controlled environment built for safety and growth. Built entirely with donated funds, the park also serves as a community amenity accessible to all when school is not in session — another intentional design choice to support residents, families, and riders of all ages.

Now, the Trek Trails at the bike park are only one part of Payson’s larger cycling movement. Thanks to industry support in the form of bicycles provided by Trek, Giant, and Specialized, alongside Wheel Fun’s ongoing support and curriculum, the Payson School District now offers:

• Outdoor Adventure Club, sponsored by Wheel Fun, introduces students to trails, teamwork, and safe riding.
• An Outride Riding for Focus program integrated directly into PE programming, giving even more students access to bicycles and structured riding.
• A new Adventure Education class, where students build skills on bikes and learn outdoor fundamentals like orienteering.
• Project Bike Tech, introduced at the high school level, provides hands-on bicycle repair and career training, supported by numerous industry partners.
• A new Elementary School Bike Club at Julia Randall Elementary, launched by Wheel Fun, provides bikes, helmets, and gear and offers 3rd–5th grade students trail rides from campus, structured skills development, and regular rides to the Longhorn Bike Park, ensuring early, barrier-free access to cycling.
• A growing NICA program with the Payson School District is expanding competitive youth mountain biking opportunities.

With these new courses and offerings, enrollment continues to grow, with more than 55 students expected to complete the course in its first year. Additionally, Wheel Fun’s student surveys show measurable improvements in fitness, focus, confidence, and overall well-being. Nearly 70% of participating students said they “strongly” want to return next year.

When the district lacked funding for an instructor for the Project Bike Tech program, Wheel Fun stepped in again — hiring local mechanic Mac Vorce and sending him to Colorado Springs for formal training. The program is already paying dividends. As students gain real-world technical experience, the school saves an estimated $1,500 per semester by repairing its bikes in-house, and graduates can earn a certificate qualifying them as official bike technicians — a significant step in a town with no bike shop, making Project Bike Tech an especially instrumental addition.

Payson’s progress shows what’s possible when the bike industry invests in community-led efforts. SRAM, Trek, Shimano, Giant, and Outride didn’t just write checks — they helped build programs, troubleshoot challenges, and stay engaged as true partners. Local leaders and educators provided the vision. Wheel Fun brought expertise and consistency. Together, they created a sustainable recreation ecosystem that benefits the entire community.

Payson’s story is more than a local success — it’s a roadmap. When the industry shows up, collaborates, and invests in the places where people live, ride, and learn, we can create meaningful access to recreation for every child in every community nationwide.

The future of bicycling starts in your own backyard.