Helping youth one bike at a time

Since its Calgary opening in 2006, Two Wheel View has witnessed first-hand how biking helps youth build confidence, leadership and employability skills.

The charity has seen this through its Earn-a-Bike program, a 10-week after-school program that teaches youth in grades seven to 12 basic bike maintenance along with social and emotional skills.

Upon completion, program participants from all over the city earn a new-to-them bicycle, a new lock, helmet and a toolkit with resources to help them explore their community and the city on two wheels.

When Calgary REALTOR^® Wendy Wacko learned about Two Wheel View during a bowling event, she was so excited about it that she visited their Inglewood operations and envisioned ways to support it: by spreading the word and encouraging family, friends, clients and colleagues to donate their unwanted bicycles.

“I think community is vitally important,” Wacko says. “Our youth are our future and what a fun way to assist in being a vehicle for positive change than through a bicycle.”

The charity’s paid employability program, GAP, teaches youth and young adults bike mechanics to help them gain confidence and overcome barriers to employment.

They’re also taught financial literacy, workers’ rights and accommodations, as well as how to prepare for job interviews and how to write a resume.

Participants can receive high school credits from this program, which helped nine of the program’s alumni graduate high school last month. Program graduates are often hired to help run the program and retail shop.

“Almost 1,700 bicycles were donated to us in 2023,” says Laura Istead, Executive Director of Two Wheel View. “These bikes come from individuals and families, as well as groups like the Calgary Police Service, Calgary Transit, condominium boards and more.”

The charity accepts bikes of any size and condition, and once they roll through their door, they're directed to support the charity’s programs.

According to Istead, many bicycles find their way to Two Wheel View as people try to downsize when moving to a new home or location.

If you’d like to donate a bike or know someone who will, click here to contact Two Wheel View.