For some a bicycle is a form of recreation, for others it’s exercise, and others still rely on it for transportation. For the Boys & Girls Club, it provides the opportunity to learn valuable life skills. Last summer, a donation of used bikes turned into an activity to teach kids how to makes small fixes on bicycles and eventually led to the wildly popular Bike Shop and Club.

“It started as a chance to teach the Club members who were in Passport to Manhood how to make the repairs. I realized that it could be much more than that and now teach members of all ages how to work on bikes,” said Daniel Uptain, youth development professional.

The kids learn how to replace the tire tubes, how to fix the brakes, and how to put the chain back in place. Then they get to take the bikes outside and test them to make sure they are operating correctly.

The Bike Shop and Club recently received a boost with a donation of 13 cycles from the Casper Police Department.

“Each year, we seem to gather quite a collection of bikes that go unclaimed. In the past, we’ve held an auction for unclaimed property, but these bikes don’t garner much money from interested buyers. So we decided instead of making very little on these bikes, we’d offer them to non-profit organizations to get the bikes to people in the community who need them,” explained Det. John Hatcher, public affairs officers, Casper Police Department.

Det. Hatcher said they received a fantastic response to this new program. Eight non-profit organizations received 83 bicycles.

“Receiving these bikes from CPD equals the opportunity to positively impact more children. As the kids learn to work on and ride these bikes, they are getting exercise and building their confidence,” said Daniel.

Crazy Peddler and Mountain Sports have been tremendous supporters with donations of bike tubes, supplies and tubes. Safe Kids of Central Wyoming recently donated bike helmets to make sure the kids have head protection.

Daniel said the biggest need right now is a place to store the bikes like a large bike rack or a shed.