There is an energy that radiates from the kids the moment they turn their wheels onto the trail...their pedaling increases, their smiles expand, their laughter intensifies. You can see so clearly the feeling that riding a bike gives them: freedom" |
Bike Club is a summer program designed to teach kids K-12 the basic mechanics of a bike and how to ride a bike safely. This program, created by the Iowa City Bike Library in partnership with the Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County, is guided by Americorps Volunteers and Bike Library staff who work through bike safety curriculum with kids using refurbished bicycles. Upon completing the Bike Club programming, kids get to take home their own bike to keep! In addition to the bike and free camp they receive a high-vis helmet, t-shirt, lock, and backpack with snacks and water. This program empowers kids with the opportunity to develop cycling skills at a young age.
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Bike Club Summer 2020
Where the Bike Library usually works with NCJC's summer school program to ensure kids have access to properly fitting and functional bikes and training, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the bike programming for the summer of 2020 went slightly differently. Due to the mandated shut down of after school programs, Americorps volunteers recruited kids from the Broadway Neighborhood Center area to join this summer's Bike Club.
Starting in June, kids from the Broadway Neighborhood Center area met with volunteers and staff to acquaint themselves with their new bike, learn its anatomy, practice pedaling and signaling, and, eventually, the best part: go on a bike ride! Volunteers and staff met with one or two kids for a one-time session (follow-up's were scheduled as necessary) on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday mornings from 9 AM-12 PM.
Friday's were reserved for the larger, 'Popsicle Friday.' During Popsicle Friday, all of the neighborhood kids who had completed their Bike Club program and received their bike were invited to go on a socially distanced group ride to a designated trail.
Friday's were reserved for the larger, 'Popsicle Friday.' During Popsicle Friday, all of the neighborhood kids who had completed their Bike Club program and received their bike were invited to go on a socially distanced group ride to a designated trail.
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Want To Get Involved?
The Bike Library is uniquely positioned to assist in youth bike initiatives. We have a sufficient number of donated children’s bicycle to contribute, however, the bicycles need minor to extensive repair. The Bike Library hosts professional repair and maintenance clinics to train volunteer mechanics who can contribute to refurbishing children’s bikes. Additionally, we cultivate the strong volunteer relationships that we need to make these programs possible. Want to help out? Donate kids bikes or contact us about volunteering.