Free Earn-a-Bike Program Giving Youth a Chance to Learn, Build and Ride

By Scott Arnold

A local program is helping young people learn valuable bike repair skills while giving them the opportunity to take home a bicycle of their own.

youth will have a free opportunity this summer to learn how to build or refurbish a bike at the Youth Earn-a-Bike program

B!KE Peterborough's Community Bike Shop is once again offering its Youth Earn-a-Bike program, a free six-session initiative for youth between the ages of 14 and 19.

Participants will learn how to refurbish or build a bicycle while developing practical bicycle maintenance and repair skills. At the end of the program, each participant gets to keep the bike they worked on.

The program is aimed at making cycling more accessible and prioritizes youth experiencing financial need.

In addition to a bicycle, participants will also receive a helmet, lock, lights and a bell, all free of charge.

No previous mechanical experience is necessary, with organizers saying the only requirements are curiosity and a willingness to learn.

Organizers note that Youth Earn-a-Bike is a fast-paced program and that building a bicycle requires plenty of elbow grease and commitment. Participants are expected to attend all six sessions, which are held over two weeks in July and August. The program includes one Monday session from noon to 3 pm and two Thursday sessions from noon to 6 pm each week.

Space in the program is limited, and interested youth are encouraged to apply through the link provided by B!KE. Organizers say they will contact applicants directly and are reminding participants to keep an eye on their email and text messages for updates.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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