CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and DC Bike Ride Gift Over 200 Bikes to DCPS Students at “Graduation on Wheels” Celebration
WASHINGTON — CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) and DC Bike Ride partnered to gift more than 200 bicycles, helmets and locks to DC Public School (DCPS) students during the “Graduation on Wheels” celebration held on Friday, June 13 at Kenilworth Park and Recreation Center in Ward 7.
The Graduation on Wheels event showcased a collaborative effort led by DC Bike Ride, in partnership with DCPS Health and Physical Education Departments, Events DC and supported by CareFirst. The program aimed to increase access to safe, healthy physical activity for students in underserved communities and reinforced DCPS’ second grade physical education curriculum, where students are taught how to ride a bicycle safely during the school year.
Students from Beers, Hendley, King, Patterson, Plummer and Whitlock Elementary Schools received brand-new bicycles, which were assembled earlier this month by volunteers from both CareFirst and DC Bike Ride. In addition to the bicycles, each student received a helmet, a lock, and complimentary registration for the 2025 DC Bike Ride on September 6.
As part of the celebration, students participated in a bike safety course and had the opportunity to personalize their new bicycles, putting their newly learned skills into practice with help from CareFirst Difference Makers, DCPS staff, and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
“Graduation on Wheels is one way that CareFirst is helping lay the foundation for stronger, healthier communities across the district,” said Lester Davis, Vice President, Chief of Staff, who leads CareFirst's Community Health & Social Impact and Public Health teams. “From investing in school-based health programs to expanding access to nutritious food, we’re focused on removing barriers to wellness, especially for young people. We’re proud to show up with partners like DC Bike Ride and DCPS for occasions like this—and to keep showing up for the work that moves health forward.”
Now in its second year, Graduation on Wheels builds on the long-standing partnership between CareFirst and DC Bike Ride, which has enabled a culture of health, movement and community engagement throughout the region for nearly a decade. Since its inception, DC Bike Ride has welcomed more than 80,000 participants and, in 2024 alone, generated $7.9 million in economic impact for Washington, D.C.
“We’re proud to collaborate with CareFirst on meaningful programs like ‘Graduation on Wheels’ that directly support youth and community health,” said Chris Browne, Managing Director of DC Bike Ride. “Guiding these students along their biking journey is one more way we’re building a more connected, active and bike-friendly D.C.”
To learn more about DC Bike Ride and upcoming events, visit www.dcbikeride.com.
About CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
In its 87th year of service, CareFirst, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit healthcare company which, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products and administrative services to 3.5 million individuals and employers in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. In 2024, CareFirst infused over $403 million to support regional community impact to improve overall health and advance accessible, affordable, equitable, high-quality healthcare. To learn more about how CareFirst is transforming healthcare, visit www.carefirst.com/transformation.
About DC Bike Ride
Founded in 2016, DC Bike Ride (DCBR) is the Washington, D.C. region’s premier recreational bicycling event. The Ride celebrates the people, places, and culture of Washington, D.C. while providing unprecedented car-free access to iconic sites. The event raises awareness and support for various local nonprofits through the Pedal For A Purpose program. The event is operated by American Bike Ride, a leading organizer of iconic cycling events in the United States. With other flagship events including Philly Bike Ride, the company aims to promote active lifestyles, community engagement, and the exploration of American cities' cultural and historical significance. American Bike Ride is committed to creating unforgettable experiences that prioritize safety, sustainability, and inclusivity for riders of all ages and abilities. For more information, visit www.dcbikeride.com.