Hamilton-based New Hope Community Bikes is helping connect Discovery Routes in North Bay with Indigenous youth on Bear Island.
This past weekend, youth and community members from the Teme Augama Anishinabek community on Bear Island took part in cycling education and bike repair training with Discovery Routes’ ReCycle Bikes workshop.
Officials say New Hope’s Indigenous Bike Program supports youth through cycling, leadership development, and hands-on skill-building opportunities.
“Biking offers youth a healthy, accessible way to connect with the land, each other, and themselves,” says Aleida Dean of New Hope Community Bikes. “The ultimate goal is to support youth with the tools and spaces they need to lead and thrive while strengthening their communities from the ground up.”
Future plans locally include expanded cycling education, bike repair skills, and eventually the development of a community bike shop on Bear Island.
Ride Smart bicycle education training sessions were held this past weekend on Bear Island and in North Bay, with support from local mountain bike instructor, Connie Hergott.
A bike repair skills clinic was also held at the ReCycle Bikes workshop in North Bay.
Earlier this year, Discovery Routes volunteer bike mechanics helped assemble new bicycles for local youth on Bear Island.
