Transforming lives and landscapes through pedal powered empowerment.
Since 2000, Trips For Kids Charlotte has provided transformative cycling experiences for under-resourced and under-represented youth. We operate through three main programs: our Earn-A-Bike Program, Ride Program and our Community Bike Shop, the Charlotte Re-Cyclery, in addition to multiple partnership camps and programs within the community.
Our mission is to transform lives, communities and landscapes through cycling!
Ride program
Our ride program invites youth and families to discover the sport of mountain biking and explore opportunities to get outside and ride bicycles together. Rides meet every other Saturday (March-October) at a local trail or greenway. The program is supported by a network of incredible volunteers and is a great way to provide mentorship to youth! Interested in being a ride program volunteer? Email joyt@tripsforkidscharlotte.org
earn-a-bike
The Earn-a-Bike program is a monthly class offering youth the opportunity to earn a bicycle who would not otherwise be able to buy one. Open to youth ages 8-17, the program covers fundamentals of road safety and foundations of bicycle ownership and operation. Youth who complete the program receive their own bicycle, set of lights, lock, and helmet along with the necessary skills and experience in how to be safe and responsible riders. Email joyt@tripsforkidscharlotte.org to learn more!
Free Bike Repair
Join us for our monthly pop-up bike shop throughout Charlotte. We will provide free bike repair and information on safe cycling, wayfinding and do it yourself maintenance mechanics. Want to get involved or locate the closest "Free Bike Repair" clinic near you? Email erics@tripsforkidscharlotte.org for more details. This program for 2023 is supported by the CMPH GROW Grant!
Bicycle Breakdown
Sessions
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Join the Charlotte Re-Cyclery / Trips for Kids Charlotte during this FREE educational and volunteer event. Participants will receive the tools and instruction to break down retired bicycles to their frames, for recycling and re-use in our community programs. Help us divert bike material waste from Charlotte's landfills, while gaining experience using bike tools and learning about Circular Economy! Learn more HERE
Gears for Queers
A free, bi-weekly class open to Women/Trans/Femmes identifying people to learn essential knowledge and hands-on skills in bicycle care and maintenance. The class covers, ABC Quick Check, Dropped Chain, Gearing, lubricating chain, and a hands-on tire change using their own bicycles. Email joyt@tripsforkidscharlotte.org to register & learn more!
BAR CLASS
A paid monthly class ($60 donation) open to everyone in the community interested in learning bicycle assembly and repair. This 2 day course (2.5 hours per day) teaches community members how to break down a bicycle to the frame, clean and inspect all components, and build back up into a safe and functional vehicle. Email JoyT@tripsforkidscharlotte.org to register & learn more!