Youth Programs
Getting Started
We believe every kid should have a bike. Our bicycle giveaway programs provide more than 1,500 bicycles to kids & teens from across the Treasure Valley, Fort Hall Reservation & Duck Valley Reservation each year.
We also believe in empowering young people to get the most out of their bike and run free repair events, education classes, and apprenticeships at our shop.
Email Benton@boisebicycleproject.org or call 208-429-6520 if you have any questions about our programs.
Sliding Scale Kids Bikes
Ages 4-11
BBP has sliding scale priced kids bikes for sale in the shop.
Community members are welcome to pay whatever is meaningful to them - from $25-75 - towards a kids bicycle, helmet, light and lock.
Expanded Sliding Scales opportunities are presented in partnership with St. Luke’s Community Health Improvement Fund
Holiday Kids Bike Giveaway
Ages 4 -11
Every December, BBP hosts a massive giveaway for kids ages 4-11.
Kids are referred to us by local non-profit organizations, schools, social workers, after-school programs, and other community partners.
Teen earn-a-bike
Ages 12 - 17
A four-part class running monthly where teens have the opportunity to learn the basics of bicycle mechanics while simultaneously earning a bicycle for themselves.
URGENT NEED BIKES
Ages 4 - 18
BBP maintains a program to provide bicycles for teens and other young people in urgent need of reliable transportation due to homelessness, new arrival status or other circumstances as well as mental health relief.
If a youth is unable to obtain a “Sliding-Scale Kids Bike” or to earn a bike through one of our youth programs, they may be able to be put on our urgent need list. Please email our Programs Director, Benton Smith, at benton@boisebicycleproject.org.
Bicycle & Safety Hour (BASH)
Ages 4 - 11
The BASH is a drop-in safety class where kids can learn how to ride a bike and the rules of the road while simultaneously earning a referral for a free kids bike!
Reservation Partnerships
Ages 4 - 18
Through partnerships with the Shoshone-Bannock and Shoshone-Paiute tribal governments, BBP works to help distribute bicycles to the Fort Hall and Duck Valley reservations of Idaho.
The Boise Bicycle Project is located on native lands. We work to acknowledge our indigenous communities through our services and recognize the indigenous homelands on which we sit.
Teen Apprenticeship Program
Boise Bicycle Project offers paid and unpaid apprenticeships for teens looking to add work experience to their resume including peer mentorship, customer assistance, and youth development.
Paid apprenticeships are supported through funds from the Idaho Department of Labor and there is specific criteria for qualifying. Participants have to be between the ages of 16-24, can't currently be students in high school or college, and can't be employed. Participants approved for funding can receive 520 hours of work in BBP's program paid at $15 an hour.
Unpaid apprenticeships are designed to provide a more flexible schedule while still teaching industry level bike mechanic skills and providing opportunity to practice or develop vocational skills across several areas.