Three decades ago, Bicycle Works launched in St. Louis with the goal of teaching bicycle safety and maintenance to children in the area.
Through a “learn-and-earn” method, the organization — now known as St. Louis BWorks — helps about 500 kids each year, and has expanded to include instruction in creative writing and computers as well. The organization was recently awarded a Quality of Life Award from St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson’s office.
On Wednesday’s St. Louis on the Air, host Sarah Fenske talked with St. Louis BWorks Board President Wayne Brinkman and volunteer Earn-A-Bike instructor Annie Yarbrough about the organization’s work ahead of their 30-year celebration on Saturday.
Both Brinkman and Yarbrough started volunteering with the organization nearly eight years ago. In addition to teaching kids how to ride bikes, Yarbrough said she finds herself giving motivational advice to the riders — that yes, it will be hard, but you need to keep trying.
“It's a whole lot of fun,” Yarbrough added. “I get a warm and fuzzy feeling every time that kid has that lightbulb moment [after] they thought they weren't going to be able to do this. And suddenly they're riding, and they're just going in circles around me saying, ‘Ms. Annie, this is so fun.’”
Listen to the full conversation:
Related Event
What: Celebrating 30 Years!
When: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019
Where: St. Louis BWorks (2414 Menard St., St. Louis 63104)
Producer’s note: One of our producers is a volunteer with BWorks, but they were not involved in the production of this segment.
“St. Louis on the Air” brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region. The show is hosted by Sarah Fenske and produced by Alex Heuer, Emily Woodbury, Evie Hemphill, Lara Hamdan and Tonina Saputo. The engineer is Aaron Doerr, and production assistance is provided by Charlie McDonald.
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