Initiative: Sustainable Neighborhoods

The West End Biker’s Club was a collaborative project with St. Vincent Greenway Inc., a community development corporation, and Positive Youth Affair, a local community-based youth organization. The project launched an employment training program for three high school interns, as well as a “bike shop” that provided bike safety, bike repair, bike access, and a service-learning program to over 70 youth in the West End neighborhood. Over the course of the project, West End Bikers Club repaired 20 bikes and distributed over 50 helmets to youth. As a result of the program, there is a stronger culture of service, responsibility, bike safety, active living, and youth empowerment in the community.
An intern reflecting on the West End Biker’s Club project said, “Kids in the neighborhood learned about bikes and bike safety in a fun way. Kids are now more active—rather than watching TV or playing video games, they are outdoors with other kids, and learning.” Through special events like the Helmet Giveaway and Picnic and Jazz on the Greenway, along with other activities including helmet and bike decorating and bike safety workshops, West End Bikers successfully provided a safe and healthy environment for youth during after school and weekend hours.
Timeline
* July 2013-Program planning, recruited youth for internship
* August 2013-Secured donations and supplies, advertised program
* September 2013- Began workshops and community outreach efforts with Jazz on the Greenway
* October 2013- Hosted Helmet Giveaway and Picnic; youth complete bike safety curriculum; repaired 20 bikes

Project Scale: Neighborhood

Related Plan Sections: Empowerment, Diversity & Equity