BNSF employee’s Cycle Therapy helps kids race toward a brighter future
By PAIGE ROMANOWSKI
Staff Writer
As the world faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic, communities found solace in unexpected places. For Brent Azus, a BNSF switchman in Seattle, that place was BMX racing.
In 2020, when Azus and a group of dedicated parents in Auburn, Washington, discovered BMX racing was still active, and with support from Cycle Therapy Bike Shop in Kent, Washington, Cycle Therapy Racing was born, starting as a youth team.
By the end of the year, what started with six enthusiastic riders quickly expanded to a team of 23. The team gained sponsors and, recognizing the potential for greater impact, transitioned into a non-profit with a mission to bring the joys of cycling to the forefront, especially for youth.
“Six months after the nonprofit label was approved, we started resonating with folks who use cycling for therapy and mental health,” said Azus, co-founder. “After becoming a non-profit to earn race funds for youth interested in BMX racing, we decided to expand Cycle Therapy's goal and go further into the community by offering an outlet for people struggling with mental health."
The organization aims to provide an alternative outlet for children struggling with mental health issues. Each member, rider and volunteer at Cycle Therapy Racing believes in the therapeutic power of cycling. They devote their time and energy to introduce this beneficial activity to communities, promoting mental wellness through physical engagement.
As Cycle Therapy grew, the organization added programs to educate kids on how to ride, how to maintain bikes and, for those interested in BMX racing, how to prepare. Community group rides were also added.
In 2023, the non-profit launched a six-week summer bike camp with Auburn, supported by King County and BNSF. The free camp, held twice a week for three hours each session, provided bikes and safety equipment.
“We had 570 kids show up ranging between age 3 and 17, and most didn’t have a bike or had never ridden,” Azus said. “We did a lot of hands-on instruction.” Last summer, Cycle Therapy did it again – this time supporting 787 kids.
While Cycle Therapy initially focused on helping children with mental health challenges, the organization now supports BMX riders with hearing disabilities.
“I learned of a few incidents where track volunteers thought kids weren’t listening but soon discovered they couldn’t hear,” Azus said. “One of our sponsors created a sticker with the universal hearing impairment logo and green ribbon, which signifies mental health awareness.”
Azus sent stickers to the BMX tracks in Washington for riders who may have hearing impairments. These riders put the stickers on their plates to let others know of their issue.
“We just want to build the community up and make it more inclusive,” Azus said. “So we expanded our sticker mission to reach the roughly 315 BMX tracks across the country instead of just the 10 in Washington.”
For Azus, the ongoing success of Cycle Therapy provides a sense of pride, especially the impact it has on community.
“There’ve been many sleepless nights between work, parenting and Cycle Therapy,” Azus said. “But it’s so rewarding to see the kids learn and see my own kids get involved with the group too.”
