Sharing independence and freedom with Hull Services!
In Youth en Route’s continued effort to give back to the community and provide access to transportation, the Bike Hub partnered with Hull Services’ Patch Program to give away bikes for a special version of the Kids Bike Trade-Up.
On March 16, kids flooded into the bike hub as weeks of preparation came to fruition. The Bike Hub mechanics were hard at work fixing and fitting bikes for kids to ensure they’d have just what they needed to get on the road, while Hull Services’ Kim Howard helped get the families organized and ready for their fittings.
“It was incredibly meaningful to see children have the opportunity to choose their own bikes and try them out. It’s an experience that many don’t often have access to,” said Howard. “The team at Youth en Route was exceptional in supporting each family, ensuring every child found a bike that was the right fit for them.”
Youth en Route donated 14 bikes to the Patch program families, helping these new riders gain environmentally-friendly independence and freedom of transportation.
Hub mechanics hard at work
Helping the kids from hull services was a fulfilling experience for the Hub staff. One of Youth en Route’s summer student mechanics, Bon Lowe, got the chance to aid these families while also flexing his mechanical skills.
“A lot of them are very excited to get a new bike, and it’s always nice to be a part of that process, help them achieve their goals and be able to ride a bike and have that freedom,” he said. “Its kind of a big step for them moving up in the cycling world and gaining a bit more confidence.”
With so many donated bikes going out of the bike hub through Kids Bike Trade-Up events like this, Lowe helps keep the supply of donated bikes in top condition. Despite being a relatively new Hub mechanic, he’s well on his way to fixing bikes as quickly and efficiently as our more seasoned mechanics.
“I’ve gained a lot more confidence working on the bikes and stuff, I feel like I’m able to identify issues and stuff better,” Lowe said. “I’m more comfortable changing parts and stuff like that and diagnosing issues. It’s been fun.”
