The Milwaukee Bicycle Collective is offering 15 new bikes for children through an essay and art contest sponsored by OnMilwaukee.com and the Potawatomi Bingo Casino’s Miracle on Canal St.
The give-away, for children ages 7-17, celebrates changes to the youth programs run by the collective, an all-volunteer organization that repairs and redistributes used bikes, and provides training for youths in the shop at 2910 W. Clybourn St.
Entering the contest is simple.
First, write a story or essay that expresses a connection to bicycling and bicycles. It can be any length.
Second, draw a picture that has something to do with bikes.
Finally, an entry form must be submitted with the essay and drawing. The entry form can be downloaded here (http://bikecollective.org/images/contest-entry-form.pdf). If you cannot print the form a hand-written form will be accepted. Full details can be found at http://bikecollective.org/contest.html.
Entries must be submitted or postmarked by Monday, November 26, the Monday after Thanksgiving. Winners will be announced December 3.
The give-away marks an evolution in the Milwaukee Bike Collective program, and how youths earn a bike through their work.
If a child volunteer wants a bike, they must complete a punch card confirming they have learned about all the parts of bike. For instance, once they’ve gotten a brake session done, they’ve earned their brakes and can knock that off of their punch card. When they’ve learned about wheels, they’ve earned another punch. Once their punch card is filled up, they’ve built their bike and can ride it out of the shop.
Adults are also encouraged to volunteer at the Bike Collective, to help work with the kids, fix bikes and other things around the shop, help organize parts and tools, and learn more about sustainability and exercise. Adults can earn a bike through a work trade, or they can take part in other incentives, such as new parts discounts, a modest stipend, or discounts at places like Ray’s Indoor Mountain Bike Park. But often the camaraderie is enough to keep volunteers coming back.
If you would like to know more about the Brand New Youth Bike contest please visit http://bikecollective.org for more details.
