Youth become passionate about biking and safe rides through Earn-A-Bike Summer Camp
This year, through Blackstone Bicycle Works (BBW)’s Earn-A-Bike summer camp, 39 youths aged 9-17 not only earned their bikes but also went home with the knowledge and spirit of true cyclists. While many participants came with some riding experience, five youths learned to ride a bike for the first time, overcoming their fears.
One camper shared that he renamed his bike as he learned to ride, "...When I got here, I didn't know how to ride a bike. I was scared. The next day, I got better. First, I named it Brave. Then I got better and better, so I named it Courage. Finally, Spirit!"
Alex Valladares, BBW’s Program Mechanic and Instructor, said, “It’s so rewarding to see youth grow from being scared to bike to becoming passionate cyclists and joining us for weekly group rides. As they became more skilled at working on and riding bikes, their social confidence also increased, which was wonderful to witness.”
Under the coordination of Harlem West, BBW’s Youth Services Coordinator, and Bruce Winston, Summer Camp Lead, BBW conducted three summer Earn-A-Bike sessions over six weeks. With the program’s aim to empower youths from Chicago's South Side through bicycle education, leadership, and life skills development, each camp included bike mechanic lessons, field trips, career and academic counseling, and learning about STEM, gardening, and healthy eating. Art-based camp activities, such as decorating helmets, were among the campers’ favorites, as they could express their artistic skills.
CELEBRATION: At the end of each camp, BBW celebrated with homemade meals and a showcase presentation for the parents and guardians of the campers. It was during this time that campers were officially given a donated bike along with a pump, toolkit, bike lock, and the helmet they had decorated.
WHAT’S NEXT: As the 2024 summer camp concluded, the BBW team is already looking ahead to more youth programming in the space. Harlem shared that they are looking forward to activating the Experimental Station space with more youth activities involving the arts and events that connect the community. Alex is passionate about developing a youth cycling club and is excited to see the space grow into the cycling hub for Southside Chicago.
For now here are some of our current programming to support youths and the community:
After-School Program for local youth
SEPT 16 - DEC 13
TUESDAYS - FRIDAYS | 3:30-6PM
