The City of Oakland, Office of Parks and Recreation's Earn Your Bike Program (EYBP) has been providing effective programming and responsive services that enhance the quality of life over the last ten years successfully to youth and the Oakland community. The program began in December 1994 from a need to combat accidents and fatalities in cycling and recreational activities amongst youth.

Although it has been reported that 40 youth per year are injured in Oakland because of a lack of safety gear, this only stands to reinforce the need for such preventative safety and community orientated programs and equipment that promote opportunities and safe alternatives. EYBP serves as an educational tool to youth, who learn the fundamentals in bicycle repair, the rules of the road, and appropriate way to use safety helmets and equipment.

With the accomplishment of graduating, each youth is presented with their very own bicycle, in most cases it is their first, but is earned through hard work and the pursuit of excellence. This gift and reward for such community orientated service as adopting a park which can be heavily littered with debris and trash, cleaning up a playground, participating in the neighborhood beatification or recycling such items as bath tubs and tires to make a community garden, teaches the fundamentals of team work, accomplishment, respect for others and for the environment, determination and leadership.

These skills are encouraged to reach out to youth and families in Oakland, working in partnership with the community to ensure the optimal health and well being of all people through a responsive process. While respecting the diversity of the community and challenging us to provide for present and future generations.

Since 1994, the Earn Your Bike Program has offered, promoted and facilitated bicycle safety in the City of Oakland for children and youths ages 10 through 18 years old. Through the EYBP, children and youth have had the opportunity to earn their own bicycles, through bicycle safety classes, and community clean ups; by helping as stewards in preserving and conserving our limited resources.