Changing kids' lives with cycling - An NPO serving the greater Philadelphia community - Est. 2016 Independence Youth Cycling, a 501c3 non-profit based in the Philadelphia area, develops programs that use bicycling to encourage middle- and high-school girls and boys to be active, good community members, and self-reliant. Independence Youth Cycling (IYC) introduces middle and high school youth to the sport of cycling, primarily mountain biking, through race, adventure and environmental stewardship activities. We do this using Long Term Athletic Development, including a framework that covers bio-, psycho- and social-models of youth development. Our guiding principles are inclusivity, equity, and a supportive team culture. We believe in the “No one sits the bench” mindset inherent in cycling. Our hope is that the fundamental skills and fitness benefits learned through the program will be carried far beyond high school. Like the many coaches and parents involved with our organization, IYC aspires to develop cycling as a life-long interest for both the youth and adults in our programs.