Happy, Safe and Part of a Community:
Meet Krista Richard of Bikes & Trikes for Everyone Moncton
What does it take to make sure every child in Moncton feels like they belong? For Krista Richard, the answer is simple: you show up. Every single day.
Krista Richard is a retired educator, athlete, and one of Moncton's most extraordinary community builders. She is the founder of two remarkable programs: the Community Sports Program, which provides free after-school sports to hundreds of kids across Greater Moncton, and Bikes & Trikes for Everyone, which has put more than 1,000 bicycles into the hands of children and families who need them.
She is a 2022 recipient of the Order of Moncton which is the highest honour the city can bestow, and the winner of the 2015 Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Teaching. And she'll be the first to tell you she's just getting started.
Growing Up in Moncton And Giving That Back
Krista grew up in Lower Lewisville, Moncton. She remembers hopping on a bike and heading to Kelly Field any day of the week to connect with friends, play ball, and just be a kid. She wants every child in Moncton to have that same experience.
After 30 years as a physical education teacher at Forest Glen School, she retired in 2021 and immediately got back to work. She launched the Community Sports Program to give middle-school-aged kids free access to organized sports in their own neighbourhoods. Last year, 212 kids played sports through her programs. She single-handedly coached 19 basketball teams.
Bikes & Trikes for Everyone started over 13 years ago with a simple belief: every child should have a bicycle. Parents reach out through her community Facebook page, share their child's name, age, and height, and Krista takes it from there. Free of charge. No questions asked. Over 1,000 bikes and counting.
Moncton Shows Up
One of the most powerful moments in this episode is when Krista describes how Moncton responds every time she puts out the call for donations. Clothing, sneakers, non-perishable food, bicycles: the community always delivers more than she asks for.
Her programs have become a lifeline for newcomers to Canada, giving children a way to connect, make friends, and feel at home in Moncton. As she says: sports has no language.
What You'll Take Away from This Episode
Why accessible, community-rooted programs matter more than ever in a growing city like Moncton
What it looks like to build something from nothing with no budget and a whole lot of heart
How Moncton's community continues to show up for the people who show up for it
Krista's vision for taking Bikes & Trikes for Everyone national
About Krista Richard
Krista Richard is a retired physical education teacher and community builder in Moncton, New Brunswick. She is the founder of the Community Sports Program and Bikes & Trikes for Everyone. She is a recipient of the 2022 Order of Moncton and the 2015 Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Teaching. Her programs have served hundreds of children and families across Greater Moncton with a focus on accessibility, inclusion, and belonging.
Community Sports Program on Facebook: facebook.com/CommunitySprtsProg Bikes & Trikes for Everyone on Facebook: facebook.com/bikesandtrikesforeveryone
Meet Me in Moncton is hosted by Natalie Davison, team lead at Meet Me in Moncton Real Estate at eXp Realty and a REALTOR® with 21 years of experience.