The Earn-a-Bike program is a five-to-six-week program where students ages 8-18 meet once a week for two hours a day with skilled Instructors. Students gain hands-on bike mechanic skills while learning social skills to help navigate their lives at home, in the classroom, and out in the community.

In the end each student earns a:

​Bike Repair

Students start with a bike that needs some repair. As they repair the bike alongside our experienced bike mechanics,  they also gain agency and ownership.

​Students learn to fix flat tires, change  and repair bike chains, adjust and replace brakes, complete bicycle safety checks and cleaning!

Social Skills

Students learn one new social skill each week. Each skill is related to the bike repair they are working on that week. In addition students engage in games and discussion to understand real life application.

​Some of the skills we focus on include: introducing yourself, expressing yourself, asking for help, self-control, and apologizing.  

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We are currently planning Earn-a-Bike programs that will be open for public sign ups. These programs will launch in early 2026.

 ROADS Expectations 

One of the tools Open Roads uses is Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports. This is a model of teaching students appropriate behavior. Open Roads focuses on five simple ideas:

R – Respect: Show kindness to other people in the program.
O – Own your actions: If you do something great or make a mistake, own it!
A – Attitude counts: Stay positive while working on your bike.
D – Discipline: Finish what you start.
S – Safety: Always wear a helmet!

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F.A.Q.

Do students have to attend all of the sessions to earn their bike?
Answer: Students need to attend all sessions in order to earn their bike. Exceptions can be made by the instructors for exacerbating circumstances.

Do students need to bring anything to their Earn-a-Bike program sessions?
Answer: Students should wear or bring closed-toe shoes and will not be permitted to partake in program that day if they do not have closed-toe shoes. Please dress for the weather! We often play games and work outside, so jackets or long sleeves are encouraged October-April.

Can parents stay with their student for the program sessions?
Answer: We have a fantastic team of Instructors who are excited to work with your student! The staff to student ratio is 1:3, ensuring students get plenty of attention and support. If you are particularly concerned about your student's ability to thrive within a small group, please let us know and we will be happy to make accommodations that work for your child.