Along the way they have the opportunity to learn general job skills such as answering the telephone and working on a computer. Participants also enjoy the adventure of organized rides. The organization now works with 200 kids each year, promoting bicycles for community involvement and as alternative transportation. In a shop on Riverside Avenue in Santa Cruz, Growing Cycles provides the workspace, tools and knowledge needed to start kids on the path towards bike expertise. The maintenance program works on a drop-in basis and is open to anyone between the ages of 9 and 18.
Kids come by after school or on weekends and sign up for a time slot at one of six work-stations.
Younger participants, between 8 and 12, work with a partner. Partners can be program volunteers or older kids with more bike experience. When kids graduate, they take away more than knowledge of bike repair. They have job skills, enhanced self-esteem, and experience helping others. Young adults who have experience with bicycles are hired during the summer to work with the program.