Little Bellas was founded in 2007 to help young women realize their potential through cycling. Girls and boys share similar attitudes about exercise and bicycling until age 14, according to a study by the University of Portland, after which point girls fear injury and their own athletic competence. We believe mountain biking affords girls the autonomy to define success on their own terms, as well as learn from and celebrate the successes of their peers.
The goal of Little Bellas is simple: to create a nationwide girls’ cycling program that allows participation opportunities regardless of economic status. One of the organization’s founding principles has been to eliminate barriers to participation through financial aid and loaner equipment in our Gear Up program. Since 2007, Little Bellas has served more than 14,388 girls through programs in 24 states, while continuing to expand access through Community Partner Programs, Community Events, and the Four Corners Initiative.
Program growth is evident in all three areas of Little Bellas: participation, chapter expansion, and volunteer mentor engagement. In 2025 alone, 733 volunteer mentors contributed more than 10,500 hours to support 2,177 participants across 92 programs. The program's success is often credited to these talented and inspiring women, who are the heart and soul of Little Bellas. Their generosity, encouragement, and leadership help pass a positive riding culture from one generation of girls to the next.
Our impact extends well beyond the final ride. On average, 97% of Little Bellas continue riding outside of the program, whether with family, friends, or on their own. More importantly, they leave with greater confidence, stronger friendships, and the belief that they are capable of taking on new challenges both on and off the bike.
For a broader perspective on the program's impact, Little Bellas engages girls throughout their cycling journey. Participants can grow into Junior Mentors before becoming volunteer Mentors themselves, creating a cycle of leadership that strengthens both the organization and the cycling community. Whether participants become mentors, lifelong recreational riders, or simply more confident young women, Little Bellas helps foster a community where girls of all ages feel comfortable, capable, and connected through riding.
At Little Bellas, we're not just teaching girls to ride bikes. We're helping build the next generation of confident riders, mentors, leaders, and advocates for the outdoors.