Earn A Bike Program

Over the summer, the kids who are part of the Major Taylor Project were given an opportunity to earn a bike. They participated in a class taught by our friends at Cascade Bicycle Club where they learned about the mechanics of a bike and what all of the parts of a bicycle are; they also learned the ins and outs of bike maintenance and the tools that you need, how to build a bike and how to refurbish an older bike. There was also more to learn about bike safety and being “bike smart”. Used bikes that have been donated to the program were used for the students on which to learn and practice their additional bike skills. At the end of the course, after faithful attendance and participation, our students were able to take the bike that they had worked on home with them.

Yesterday, Joe (one of the kids), rode by the church on his new-earned bike! He stopped and I asked, “Where are you going?” He said he was going to work! I thought of how many rides to work I have given to kids who missed a bus, who’s car broke down,again, or who’s ride fell through and here is Joe…using an opportunity like Earn a Bike to get to his job. I wonder if he felt accomplished or a little more independent. I’ll ask him next time he rides by! Pat Thompson

**click on the Photos page to find pictures from the Earn A Bike Program.