San Rafael, Calif, October 27 –Trips for Kids and Free Bikes 4 Kidz are co-launching an online pilot based on the Trips for Kids Learn+Earn-a-Bike® program. The pilot, slated to roll out online across five US cities, will educate kids aged 10-17 on bicycle mechanics and safety, and graduates will earn a free bike of their own.
Students who complete the program will receive a refurbished bicycle from Free Bikes 4 Kidz and a new helmet and lock from Trips for Kids. Equipment will be shipped to program graduates in November.
“Now more than ever it is important that kids have access to new ways of learning that are fun, practical and that promote healthy activities,” said Patricia Gallery, Trips for Kids Board President.
“Many kids don’t have access to bicycles and those who do may not have anyone to teach them the fundamentals. We want to change that so that all kids, regardless of their circumstances, can have a bike of their own and know how to maintain and ride them safely.” In addition to in-person classes and the new online program, planned Learn+Earn-a-Bike initiatives include an on-demand learning platform for students to take classes at their own pace, at any place and anytime.
“We partner with hundreds of youth organizations each year to deliver bikes to under-resourced kids across America,” said Terry Esau, Free Bikes 4 Kidz Executive Director. “Our collaboration with Trips for Kids combines the joy of bike ownership with reward-based learning that empowers and inspires.” Trips for Kids and Free Bikes 4 Kidz are working to secure additional funding from individual donors and corporate sponsors to expand the program to hundreds of kids across North America in 2021.
To learn more about the Learn+Earn-a-Bike online pilot program please contact Amy Carver with Trips for Kids at amy@tripsforkids.org.
ABOUT TRIPS FOR KIDS
Founded in 1988, in San Rafael, California, Trips for Kids provides transformative cycling experiences that promote healthy active lifestyles, environmental awareness, and personal empowerment for kids of all communities, especially those most in need.
With a vast network of chapters operating in the United States, Canada, so far 230,000 kids have had the chance to explore the natural world on two wheels through Trips for Kids programs. Trips for Kids National umbrella was established in August 2017 to provide assistance and resources to current chapters and those in development. To learn more, visit www.tripsforkids.org.
ABOUT FREE BIKES 4 KIDZ Founded in 2008, Free Bikes 4 Kidz currently operates in 15 locations, working with more than 700 youth organizations across America to assist in keeping bicycles out of landfills and getting them into the hands of kids in need, providing a pathway to health, happiness and opportunity. To-date, the organization has provided nearly 100,000 kids with refurbished bicycles and hopes to give away 1 million by 2025. To learn more, visit www.fb4k.org
