From Pressure to Purpose Amid Rising Youth Violence and Social Pressure, BikerFest Mke’s Sliders Program Expands with City Support

Milwaukee, WI — Across Milwaukee, youths are being asked to grow up in conditions that constantly test their sense of self-worth, safety, and self-control. For some, instability has become the norm. 80% of youth say gun violence is a major issue, and nearly half report hearing gunshots every week. Conflict is close, and loss is familiar, with many knowing someone who has been shot. The pressure to stay guarded, prove yourself, or respond before someone else does can shape how a young person develops, especially when 56% say they feel pressure to retaliate. Social media has made that weight even heavier. What used to be a moment now becomes a spectacle, played on repeat. Pain gets performed, and anger gets rewarded. Silence is read as weakness, and healing rarely gets the same attention as harm. When young people are surrounded by this tension, watched by their peers, and left without enough safe spaces to release, reflect, or regroup, the outcome should not surprise us. What they need is not more judgment. They need places that restore their focus, adults they can trust, and opportunities that give them a foundation and something stronger to believe in.

BikerFest Mke is addressing these conditions with a model built on consistency, accountability, and measurable growth. Where structured programming, youth participation, retention, and skill progression are actively tracked alongside behavioral and performance-based evaluations. The result is increased engagement, stronger peer relationships, and a clear shift toward positive decision-making, demonstrating that when young people are given the right environment and support, outcomes change.

What began as a small pilot program with just four young riders in December 2023 has quickly grown into one of Milwaukee’s most unique youth development initiatives. The Sliders Flat Track Racing Program, created by BikerFest Mke, Flat Out Friday, and Cream City Moto, is in its second official year with growing participation, new partnerships, and a powerful mission to create opportunity for Milwaukee youth through motorsports, personal development, mentorship, and technical skill-building.

The Sliders program uses motorcycles, the excitement of racing, and STEAM education as the glue to teach discipline, social-emotional regulation, teamwork, and resilience. Participants ages 7–16 train year-round, learning everything from riding fundamentals and safety practices to mechanical skills and race strategy.

“When we launched Sliders, we didn’t know exactly what it would become. We just knew youths needed a place to belong and something to believe in. Watching them grow into confident riders, teammates, and young leaders has been one of the most powerful things I’ve ever witnessed. This program is giving young people the courage to face challenges, the discipline to grow through them, and the support to know they’re not doing it alone.”

– Venisha Simpson, Executive Director of BikerFest Mke

New Partnerships and Collaborations

As the program continues to grow, BikerFest Mke has partnered with the City of Milwaukee Common Council, the Department of Public Works (DPW), and the Emerging Youth Achievement Advisory Council (EYAAC) to build on this unique pathway for youth education and workforce exposure.

Through this collaboration, impounded motorcycles will be donated to the Sliders program, allowing youth participants to repurpose and rebuild the machines as part of hands-on learning, creative design, and racing preparation.

These motorcycles will be integrated into BikerFest Mke programming, which uses motorcycles as a tool to:

• Build youth confidence and technical skills
• Advance motorcycle safety education
• Promote inclusion in motorsports
• Support Sliders program participation
• Expose youth to STEM and skilled trade career pathways

This new partnership is helping BikerFest Mke by removing financial barriers and ensuring the donated motorcycles are properly registered for recreational, educational, and competitive use.

“This is what being innovative as a city looks like.  Taking materials that would’ve likely otherwise been condensed to scrap metal and turning them into both an educational and recreational opportunity to be utilized by local youth is the ultimate win win.  As City leaders we must continue to be creative and ensure that we’re getting resources to the organizations that are delivering for our youth.  BikerFest Mke is one such organization.” 

– Common Council President, Alderman José G. Pérez”

The resolution authorizing the donation of impounded motorcycles was sponsored by Ald. José G. Pérez, and co-sponsored by Ald. Russell W. Stamper II, Ald. Milele A. Coggs Taylor, Ald.

Larresa Taylor, Ald. Alex Brower, Ald. DiAndre Jackson, and Ald. Peter Burgelis, demonstrating the City’s growing support for youth-centered programs that combine recreation, mentorship, and workforce exposure.

NWT Cycletronic, an automotive electronics company that designs modern wiring systems, control hubs, and components to simplify bike builds while providing hands-on technical support for riders and builders. Together, we are expanding access to high-quality motorcycle electronics within our programs. Through this collaboration, NWT supports our youth with advanced wiring systems and direct technical support and insight, helping participants build real skills in diagnostics, installation, and performance. This partnership strengthens our ability to connect learning with application while introducing the next generation to opportunities within the industry.

Impact in Motion

Sliders participants are currently preparing for the 2026 District 16 racing season, which officially begins in May. In the meantime, youth participants are training throughout the spring and summer at the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Dirt Bike School, Wisconsin Off Road Adventures (WORA), to sharpen their riding skills and continue their development as young leaders.

In just two years, Sliders has become more than a racing program. Families, community partners, and local businesses have rallied behind the initiative, creating a support system that encourages young riders to grow both on and off the track.

“The sliders program is an excellent way to exemplify the idea of responsibility, teamwork, and genuine commitment. It shows how this can translate to real-life… My favorite is that group of people that make you feel at home when riding… or just when you feel down, they are always there for everyone and anyone.”

– Donald Amartey, Sliders Participant

BikerFest Mke leaders say the program’s rapid growth demonstrates what can happen when youth are given access to mentorship, structured challenge, and a supportive community. From humble beginnings to preparing riders for the upcoming racing season, the Sliders program continues to build momentum while creating new opportunities for Milwaukee’s next generation of leaders.

Support the movement

• Support our events: Show up and be part of the experience. Your presence fuels the energy, supports our youth, and helps grow a community rooted in skill, safety, and solidarity. Our upcoming BikerFest Block Party presented by East Side BID#20 is an annual fundraiser that directly supports the BikerFest Mke programming and community initiatives. Every dollar raised helps shift lives, hearts, and minds by expanding access, strengthening youth programs, and investing in the next generation of leaders. This year, the Block Party will be held on Milwaukee’s East Side on Saturday, May 30, from Noon – 9:00 pm on Farwell Ave., Kenilworth Pl., Ivanhoe Ave., and Black Cat Alley. It’s a high-energy, community-driven event that brings together culture, creativity, and connection in one place. From custom bikes and stunt shows to live music, local vendors, a youth showcase, and interactive experiences, the event creates a space where riders, families, and the broader community come together to celebrate. This year’s event is sponsored by Red Bull, Gruber Law Offices, Spectrum, Suburban HarleyDavidson, and others. To register, visit: https://BikerFestBlockParty2026.eventbrite.com.  

• Donate: Your contribution directly supports our programming, equipment, and training opportunities. Every dollar helps remove barriers and creates real pathways for youth and families. To donate, visit: https://bikerfestmke.org/program/sliders/ 
• Volunteer: Give your time and be part of the work on the ground. Volunteers play a critical role in delivering our programs and helping us reach more young people with meaningful experiences. To volunteer, visit: https://qrco.de/volunteeratbikerfestmke

About BikerFest Mke

BikerFest Mke is a Milwaukee-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that uses motorcycles as a motivational tool to expand access and create opportunity. Through experiential events and youth programming, BikerFest Mke engages underserved communities in skill development, mentorship, and pathways to career opportunities. The organization brings together community, families, and industry partners to develop the next generation and drive measurable impact.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Venisha Simpson venisha@bikerfestmke.org

(414) 588-5506

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