Youth Programs

In our Shop Earn-A-Bike Program, Youth mechanics learn bike mechanics and business skills as they work their way toward earning their own bike (or bike parts). In the process they will also take on new problems and projects in the shop, go on bmx and road rides with the Phoenix team, work with adult role models in the shop, and much more. Youth mechanics can work in the shop Tuesday - Saturday.

Every Saturday, Team Phoenix leave from the shop to explore our region by bike. Rides begin around 1 pm; return times vary with the ride, but should be back by 5 or 6. This is a chance to get out of the house and explore the DC region with friends old and new. Ride destination and styles vary - on and off the bike, you'll often learn something you didn't expect to.

After earning a bike, youth mechanics can keep participating in shop activities, working to upgrade their ride, or purchase a bike for a family member. As they become leaders in the shop, experienced youth mechanics can become community mechanics - recognized leaders in the shop.

Phoenix Bikes w has begun conducting 7 week Earn-A-Bike programs with groups of middle school age students at community centers and schools. Sessions cover basic bike mechanics, safe riding skills, community assessment, teamwork, and environmental awareness. Students have the chance to earn and fix up their own bike by the end of the course, and can join Team Phoenix rides upon graduation.

As youth mechanics grow with the shop, Phoenix Bikes works with small groups of high school ages youth to build bike mechanic, business, and leadership skills, and work on clearing paths to college and careers.
Current Programs include:

Youth Mechanics also join many special projects. Here are some past examples:

• Planet Arlington Bike-Powered Parade Floats: With local artists Rob Lindsay and Luke Idziak, youth mechanics built two human-powered floats to ride with Planet Arlington in the Neighborhood Day Parade.