Workshops offer kids freedom of movement

Ainsley Naylor, who acts as chief bike mechanic and teacher, said keeping the class “dude”-free creates a safe space for girls and non-gender conforming kids who might otherwise not be exposed to tools and may be intimidated just walking in to a bike shop.

“The hope is to engage people, to give them some tools and empower them and make them more comfortable,” she said.

The students are also taught by women and trans people.

“They feel like they’re not going to be judged because they’re learning from another woman. There’s a different layer of respect,” Naylor said.

“For many women and trans people, a bike can be the safest way to move around at night or when travelling alone, and can represent control and independence,” she added.

Keeping the class ‘dude’-free creates a safe space for kids who might otherwise be intimidated just by walking in to a bike shop

“At Charlie’s, giving them a bike means they don’t have to wait for their parents to come and pick them up somewhere or it’s easier for them to get to a friend’s house,” Naylor said.

“Freedom of movement is really important and empowering and creates independence as well.”

Alma Ahmed plans to cruise to classes this fall on a new raspberry ride with white tires and pink brake wiring that she’s almost finished.

“It’s something very unique,” said the 15-year-old of the program. “You don’t see build-a-bike places everywhere and it’s not something that’s so mainstream.”

Working alongside her best friend, Ahmed said she learned simple things that will stick with her, such as how to pump a tire.

“Normally in my house we just kept on pumping until we could feel the tire tight. When I learned that at that side of the wheel there’s a specific number you’re supposed to pump it to, that was something really fascinating,” she said. “Next time I’ll know exactly what to do.”