by William Crum
FreeWheels for Kids is an organization that empowers youth to improve their lives and the health of the community.
They teach students the basics of bicycle mechanics and how to ride safely. Plus they help provide youth bicycles, helmets and other tools to help them be safe and successful bikers.
They start in elementary school with basic writing skills and traffic safety. In middle school students go through a comprehensive bike repair class and earn a bike of their own. They teach them traffic safety and writing skills and take them on group rides throughout Kansas City. For many students, this is the first time getting to know the resources that are available in their neighborhoods. They also help students start clubs.
Each group of students chooses a project to improve the health and accessibility of Kansas City. These projects include political advocacy, trail building, upgrades to local parks and community education.
At the open house students gave a presentation on what their club is doing to improve the community. They also talked about future plans.
“Next year we are planning a $350,000 budget,” said Bryan Kidney, president of FreeWheels for Kids.
At the open house there were parents, as well as a student who came to learn more about FreeWheels for Kids.
