Charlie’s FreeWheels uses bicycles to support the development of empowered young leaders, and self-assured young cyclists. We do this by improving youth access to bicycles, facilitating bicycle-related skill development, and inspiring youth to ride with confidence. All of our programs are free and participants get a home-cooked vegetarian meal with every class. Anyone between the ages of 12 and 25 can sign up for our programs.

Over the past 10 years, Charlie’s has become the destination for youth cycling education in Toronto. At Charlie’s, bicycles are a vehicle for creating community, mentorship opportunities and skill building. 

Since 2009, over 800 youth have graduated from our free Build-A-Bike program that provides participants with their own bicycle, the know-how to build and repair it, a helmet, lights and a lock, and ride skills training to help young cyclists navigate the city’s streets safely.

We’ve also been able to hire 23 youth since 2016 as peer mechanics and ride assistants at our location, and as mechanics at other local bike shops through our apprenticeship programs.