In a cooperative effort between the City of Madison, Open Air Bicycles of Fitchburg, and Packer Community Center, youth and adults have gained skills in bicycle safety and repairs. Steve Meiers of the City of Madison, presents summer classroom training and a bicycle rodeo to teach youth the basics of bicycle safety. Rich Schuman of Open Air Bicycles taught an 8 week bicycle repair course to a core group of residents who will service bicycles for youth in the community. A small grant from the city provided for the purchase of a bicycle repair stand, basic tools, and the establishment of an ongoing account for brake pads, tubes, etc. with Open Air Bicycles. The funds are replenished through fund-raising events put on by the youth.
Wheels for Winners, a non-profit organization
working to provide youth and adults with bicycles, challenged Packer youth
last fall to complete community service hours in exchange for a reconditioned
used bicycle, new helmet, lock and key, and free licensing. Eleven children
completed the program; for many, it was their first experience with bicycle
ownership. This summer, Wheels for Winners will again work with Packer
youth and adults to provide a means to earn bicycles. 