By Kameron Anderson
More than 40 riders, from young children to senior adults, joined the RISE Northwest Community
Bike Tour for a five-mile ride celebrating neighborhood assets, promoting wellness, and building
connections across Northwest Dayton.
The idea came from College Hill resident, Vietnam veteran, and retired postal worker Mr. Gary
Dunn, who envisioned a neighborhood ride focused on safety, fun, and community connection.
By listening to residents and working together, RISE Northwest, Jasmine Young at CityWide, and
Ta’Kesha Beavers from the City of Dayton’s Community Engagement Division helped bring his
vision to life, alongside Dexter Clay (Uncle Boof) and his Dayton Bike Meet crew (who ride first Friday
of the month). Dayton Children’s supported the event by donating helmets for riders.
Escorted by Dayton Phoenix officers, riders traveled through College Hill, Dayton View
Triangle, Fairview, Hillcrest, and Mount Vernon. Along the way, they explored local parks,
learned about upcoming outdoor workout equipment at College Hill Park, connected with
Northwest Library Branch Manager Sharon Taste about family programs, and picked fresh
vegetables at Fairview Garden.
The ride wrapped up at The Hope Center, Dayton Mayor Turner-Sloss, Rev. Vanessa Ward,
members of the Major Taylor Cycling Club, and families from across the region joined the bike
tour. Senior volunteers and community partners welcomed participants at registration and
resource table. Distributed helmets, bells, dozens of string bags and 10 donated bicycles.
The tour showed what is possible when residents’ ideas lead the way and community partners
work together. Neighbors left asking for more opportunities to connect, explore local resources,
and celebrate the community they call home.
