Charlotte Mindeman

I am a Bike Club volunteer

Pedaling Toward a Brighter Future: How Bike Club and Charlotte Mindeman Empower Kids Through Cycling

From a distance, riding a bike might seem like just a fun activity. But for our students, a bike is so much more. It's not just a pastime—it's a lifeline. It offers a new way to see the world, connect with others, and explore opportunities they might have never imagined. Each interaction with Bike Club volunteers opens their eyes to new possibilities for their future.

Bike riding is more than just a pastime. It's a way to build confidence, foster community, and inspire a lifelong love of physical activity. That's exactly what Bike Club is all about: empowering students by teaching them how to ride, offering them a sense of accomplishment, and providing them with the tools to succeed both on and off the bike.

One of the passionate volunteers leading the charge is Charlotte Mindeman, a Managing Director and Senior VP at Regent Bank. In addition to her career, Charlotte commits herself to ensuring kids across the Tulsa area have access to bikes and the joy that comes with them for Bike Club and other local bicycle volunteer efforts.

Charlotte's introduction to Bike Club came through a friend and fellow volunteer, Tyrone Nichols. Intrigued by the program and Tyrone's description of the work Bike Club does, she signed up to make a difference in her community. But her involvement quickly grew beyond that initial commitment.

"I got signed up and started there," Charlotte says. "Then I was recruited to be a coach for the Bike Club NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) team. I went through all the training and became a Level One coach. I also hold the NICA GRiT coordinator position, which stands for 'Girls Riding Together.'"

Charlotte's passion for cycling runs deep. After falling in love with mountain biking nearly a decade ago, she now volunteers with multiple cycling groups, including the Tulsa Tough Diva Program, and even fills in as a ride leader for the We Rock Women's Mountain Bike Team. However, it's her work with Bike Club that holds a special place in her heart.

The Rewarding Impact of Bike Club

Bike Club offers more than just an opportunity to learn how to ride. It helps kids discover confidence, perseverance, and a sense of community. Charlotte witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the program.

"It's one of the most rewarding things I've ever done," Charlotte explains. "Some of the kids have never really been on bikes, and to see them progress week after week is incredible."

One story that stands out to Charlotte is that of a young student from Edison Middle School who was initially very shy and reserved. Through the Bike Club program, this student blossomed—not only learning how to ride confidently but also becoming an active member of the NICA mountain biking team.

"His mom came up to me last year, crying, and thanked me for everything we had done for her son," Charlotte recalls. "It's stories like that—seeing kids excel at something they wouldn't have had the chance to try otherwise—that make all the effort worth it."

Why It's Easy to Get Involved

As Bike Club prepares for its next season, Charlotte encourages anyone on the fence about volunteering to take the plunge. For her, the process of getting involved was incredibly straightforward, and it's something she says others can do just as easily.

"I found it very easy to get started," Charlotte says. "Tyrone sent me the link, and after that, I reached out to Jason Whorton, who helped me get connected to a school that was close to work. It really couldn't have been simpler."

For those interested in volunteering, Bike Club only requires a few hours a week, but the impact of that time is lasting. Volunteers don't need to be expert riders—just people who want to make a difference in a child's life.

Empowering Young Women

What Charlotte brings to the table for our female students is immeasurable. Throughout all of her volunteer efforts, she focuses on encouraging young girls to get involved with cycling. She believes having female volunteers is crucial in breaking down barriers and showing girls that they can excel in activities traditionally dominated by men.

"When young girls see female adults doing this, they realize, 'Oh, I can do this too!'" Charlotte says. "They're comfortable letting you work with them, and it's important to show them that there's no bench in Bike Club—everyone gets to participate."

This inclusive philosophy is central to Bike Club's mission. Unlike many traditional sports, where kids may be left on the sidelines if they don't make the cut, Bike Club ensures every child has the opportunity to ride, learn, and grow.

A Pathway to Success

Charlotte believes the lessons learned in Bike Club go beyond cycling. In fact, she sees strong parallels between the attributes needed to be successful on a bike and in life.

"Cycling teaches kids perseverance and confidence," she says. "It shows them that they can still have fun and be successful, even as adults. It's inspiring, and I think the kids see that when they watch us balance our careers and our love for cycling."

Charlotte's own journey serves as an example of how giving back through Bike Club can inspire others. "Even at work, when people see what I do, they want to get involved," she says. "I've had coworkers ask me about Bike Club after seeing me post about it on social media. It's a great way to share the joy of cycling."

The Joy of Giving Back

For Charlotte, the time spent volunteering with Bike Club isn't just another activity—it's one of the highlights of her week.

"It might sound like just another thing to do for an hour and a half once a week, but it's one of the best hours and a half I spend," she says. "There's nothing better than seeing the smiles on the kids' faces when they succeed, especially when they've tried something new and pushed themselves."

As Bike Club gears up for another year, Charlotte and the rest of the team are excited to continue making an impact on young lives. For those considering volunteering, the message is clear: you don't need to be an expert, just someone who cares.

"Bike Club is truly life-changing for these kids," Charlotte says. "And it's just as rewarding for us, the volunteers. I can't say enough good things about it."

For everything a bicycle can do for students (and adults), it's evident a bicycle is not simply a pastime. And if you give some time to Bike Club, you are more than just a volunteer.

Interested in getting involved? Visit Bike Club's website to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how you can help empower the next generation of cyclists.