Back Alley Bikes Education Programs

Youth Earn-a-Bike

Earn-a-Bike is offered for youth during the summertime through a unique program that encourages cooperation and creativity. Participants learn basic mechanical skills, take part in group activities and do volunteer work. Each child selects and repairs the bike of his or her choice to be taken home when the program is completed. Youth must pre-register for Earn-a-Bike. Sessions are open to groups and individuals.

Mechanics In Training

MIT is a program for high-school-aged youth who are interested in learning to fix bikes, gain experience working in a retail setting and to act as leaders in the Youth Earn-a-Bike program. Potential MITs must fill out an application and are encouraged to volunteer at The Hub prior to applying. Mechanics In Training are selected by collective members of The Hub each season. MITs receive a stipend for their work and a letter of recommendation for future employers.

Learn-a-Bike

Learn-a-Bike is an eight-week intensive program for adults interested in acquiring bike repair skills. Participants are assigned a bicycle to be worked on for the duration of the program. Classes consist of: flat fixing and basic diagnostics, brakes, drivetrain I, drivetrain II, headsets, bottom brackets, hubs, wheel truing. Learn-a-Bike students are encouraged to attend every class, which meets at the shop on Sundays from 2pm to 4pm. Students receive a toolkit and patch kit upon completion of the program. Pre-registration and payment of $40 are required. Sign up for the August/September session at The Hub.