Do you remember your childhood bicycle? For many of us, our bikes played a formative role while we were growing up. Not only is it a source of entertainment and recreation, owning a bike often provides kids with their first taste of independence and responsibility. For almost four decades, St. Louis BWorks has been dedicated to providing local kids with opportunities to earn their own bikes through dedication and hard work.

St. Louis BWorks was established in 1988 with the goal of inspiring kids to explore new possibilities and the world around them through experiential learning. Executive director Patrick Van Der Tuin notes that bikes were the perfect vehicle for getting kids excited and engaged. The nonprofit holds programs on its Soulard campus as well as partnering with several local schools. It works with kids age 8 to 17.  “We’ve seen a lot of significant growth over the last 15 years,” he says. “In 2011, we had 50 kids graduate from the program. In 2025, we had 683 graduates.”

Earn-A-Bike is St. Louis BWorks core program. Through the six-session class, kids work towards earning their own refurbished bike. “Each student picks their bike at the beginning of the course, and our mechanics get to work fixing it up,” explains Evie Hemphill, director of programs. “Lessons are focused on a variety of topics, such as basic bike maintenance and safety skills.” Starting around session four, kids get to practice safety drills with a new bike. On graduation day, instructors and students enjoy a ride around the neighborhood together.

The program was designed for kids who already have some knowledge of bike riding. Hemphill notes that St. Louis BWorks was finding more and more that participants didn’t have any first-hand experience. To address that need, the nonprofit created Learn-To-Ride, a four-week program designed to help kids gain confidence in riding a bike. “At the beginning, we don’t even worry about using the pedals—the focus is one balance and stability,” Hemphill says. “Each week is designed to allow kids to feel more confident and comfortable until they’re ready for Earn-A-Bike. We’re excited to be able to offer families the opportunity for kids to build these life skills.”

St. Louis BWorks also helps kids access technology through its Earn-A-Computer program. The course is structured like Earn-A-Bike, with students learning about internet safety, basic programming and more over six weeks. At the end, they receive a refurbished desktop computer. Van Der Tuin notes that the structure of both Earn-A-Bike and Earn-A-Computer works to establish a sense of pride and responsibility in graduates. “Kids earn their bikes and computers by attending all the classes,” he says. “They’ve put in their time and sweat equity, so they’re going to take better care of their property.”

Recently, St. Louis BWorks purchased a new headquarters near Tower Grove Park. Van Der Tuin notes the nonprofit is looking forward to what the new space will offer. “We’re excited to have the room to grow and build,” he notes. “We’re starting the process of renovating and cleaning our new home, and we hope to move in at the end of this year or the beginning of next.”

During this time of growth, St. Louis BWorks is relying on the support of the community more than ever. The nonprofit can always use donations of bikes and computers. Monetary support allows them to purchase safety gear like helmets, lights and more. “The last few years have been very eye-opening about the demand on our program,” Van Der Tuin says. “Our biggest challenge is figuring out how to manage our growth in a sustainable way so we can work with as many kids as possible. St. Louis families are really hungry for these opportunities.”

For more information, visit bworks.org.

Photos courtesy of St. Louis BWorks