Bennett's Bike Ride of Passage

Mastering the skill of riding a bike is a pivotal milestone in a child’s life. We are grateful for the trust and support of our community members, particularly parents who allow us to play a role in this significant journey for the youth we serve. In both the fall and spring seasons, we host a week-long ‘Learn-to-Ride’ program, extending an invitation to young individuals to acquire bike-riding skills and safety practices. Among these enthusiastic students was Bennett and his family. We had the pleasure of receiving valuable feedback from Bennett's mother, Jillian. Her heartfelt testimonial beautifully encapsulates the essence of our mission.

“I am absolutely thrilled to share my experience with Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.) and the incredible impact it had on my son's life. As a parent, there are few moments as rewarding as witnessing your child achieve a significant milestone, and I can confidently say that this program played a pivotal role in making that happen for us.

Before enrolling my son in Y.O.U., he was hesitant and fearful of riding a bike. The thought of letting go of his training wheels was met with anxiety, and we were both unsure of how to navigate this important rite of passage. That's when we discovered Learn-to-Ride at Y.O.U., and it turned out to be an absolute game-changer.

From the moment we stepped into the program, we were greeted by a team of dedicated and passionate instructors who created a warm, encouraging, and supportive environment. Their expertise in teaching young children how to ride a bike was evident from the start. They had a remarkable ability to connect with kids and make the entire learning process not only enjoyable but also safe.

The progression my son made in just a few short weeks was astonishing. The program used a thoughtful and gradual approach to build his confidence and skills. From balance exercises to learning to pedal independently, every step of the way was thoughtfully planned out, ensuring that he felt secure while also pushing him to achieve more.

What truly sets Y.O.U. apart is their commitment to not only teaching children how to ride a bike but also the million other things they do with your children: from playing basketball, providing snacks and water, to teaching them about bees and gardening to sending them home with weekly vegetables. I can’t express how phenomenal this program truly is.

I must also commend the program for their emphasis on safety. The instructors ensured that each child had the proper safety gear and taught them essential road safety rules and their ABCs of a bike. As a parent, I appreciated their attention to detail in keeping my child safe while they learned this invaluable skill.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Y.O.U. to any parent seeking a program that not only teaches kids how to ride a bike but also nurtures their self-confidence and resilience. The transformation I witnessed in my son was nothing short of remarkable, and I am eternally grateful to the incredible team at Y.O.U. for helping him embark on this exciting journey of independence and adventure. The joy on his face when he rode without training wheels for the first time is a memory I will cherish forever. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making a lasting difference in my child's life. - Jillian C., Bennett’s Mom”