B-360 credited for working with young riders to transform Baltimore’s Dirt Bike culture

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — A local organization was recognized Friday by Mayor Brandon Scott for the work it is doing with young cyclists to transform the off-road bike culture in Baltimore.

B-360 celebrates its fifth anniversary of using STEM education, career readiness and other resources to give the city’s youth and young adults opportunities for advancement.

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Now the group is embarking on a fundraising campaign to establish a permanent dirt bike park and campus in the city, so young people have a place to ride and grow.

“Where we are, there’s no way to have an impact if we don’t have a safe space,” said B-360 Founder and CEO Brittany Young. “When you look at a skatepark in Baltimore, when you look at bike lanes, if you want to play basketball, you have a place to go. For runners, we really don’t.

Young, an engineer by trade, grew up watching people ride dirt bikes at Druid Hill Park. Today, she and a group of trainers use the bike as an educational tool to teach young people the basics of science and engineering.

Since its inception in 2017, B-360 has worked with over 7,000 students. In addition to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to succeed, the organization wants to provide a safe space to ride in complete peace of mind.

To do so, the organization wants to raise $10 million to build a campus, complete with an indoor and outdoor riding course, as well as classrooms and a body shop where riders can practice their skills.

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The campus would be the first of its kind and a place to show off the budding talents of riders.

“Truly the best in entertainment and the best in education under one hub,” said Young.

For young runners like Treasure Tremble, this campus can’t come soon enough. She grew up mountain biking with her family, and when she heard about the B-360, she wanted to join.

“It’s like freedom, almost,” Tremble said. “The wind in your hair, against your face is amazing, especially when riding with other people.”

Having a dedicated space, she said, would allow her and her peers to pursue their passions without the risks and dangers of driving on the road.

“We need a place where we can go and feel safe and express ourselves when riding dirt bikes,” she said. “It’s something the kids in Baltimore appreciate, but riding down the street and all that isn’t always safe.”

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To learn more about B-360, visit the organization’s website.