Mountain bikes
Cycling Club for Children Affected by Russia’s War
Open New Ukraine is launching Ukraine’s first charitable extreme cycling club for children affected by Russia’s war against Ukraine. Our goal goes beyond teaching mountain biking: we want to help children cope with the stress of war and reconnect with their peers.
The club is for children who have lost parents or relatives, children from families forced to flee combat or occupied areas, and children living with physical injuries or severe psychological trauma.
We believe a bike is a powerful tool for building strength, resilience and character.
Step One: Bikes for the Club
Like our Winter Activities program, this project will grow step by step. First, we need the core asset: mountain bikes. We plan to source them through three channels.
Channel 1
Bicycle Manufacturers
We’ll start by negotiating directly with manufacturers. There are more than 300 major bicycle brands worldwide, and most of them produce mountain bike (MTB) lines.
Channel 2
Bike Parks
We’ll partner with specialized bike parks, most of which run on-site mountain bike rentals.
Channel 3
Business Partners
Ukrainian and international companies can help build the club’s fleet through financial support.
How Children Join the Club
We’ll bring children into the sport in three stages.
Stage 1
Free Bike Rental Points
With support from city administrations, we plan to secure premises for storing bikes and gear and lending them free of charge. Pilot locations are Kyiv and Ivano-Frankivsk. Families and children borrow bikes directly and choose where to ride.
Stage 2
Coaching and Rehabilitation Hubs
Staff and volunteers will run free lessons, day trips and weekend rides. Psychologists and rehabilitation specialists will work at the clubs, turning them into hubs for sport, rehabilitation and social adaptation.
Stage 3
Bike Camps in Ukraine and Europe
We’ll run full-scale camps at bike parks in Ukraine and Europe. Complete immersion in the sport lets children step away from the war for a while, and coaches, psychologists and volunteers stay with them throughout. This is the most demanding stage: it requires funding for transport, accommodation, meals and bike park passes.
Why It Matters
The program supports children’s mental and physical health today. It also helps protect them in the future from drug, alcohol, gambling and other addictions that often follow childhood trauma.
Your help today means a healthy, active generation tomorrow.