Youth en Route - INSPIRING SAFE, ACTIVE TRAVEL TO SCHOOL AND BEYOND
Team Ward 9 was fortunate to be able to spend some time with two amazing local organizations doing important work to empower and engage youth in cycling - Two Wheel View and Youth en Route.
We met with Laura Shutiak, Executive Director of Youth en Route and Merve, a volunteer from the Bike Shed at the GFL 55+ Seniors Club. Their partnership has enabled the delivery of hundreds of bikes to schools and students throughout Calgary!
Check out the video of our afternoon together to learn more about the meaningful work happening at Youth en Route.
Youth en Route
Youth en Route aims to engage, understand, and break down barriers that stop students from using active transportation to get to and from school. Founded in 2021, their advocacy and work in community and with schools throughout Calgary has been integral to more youth feeling empowered, confident, safe, and able to ride a bike.
Through a partnership with a group of dedicated volunteers from the Greater Forest Lawn 55+ Society, Youth en Route has been able to help restore and assemble bikes and build custom bike storage racks that are then donated to local schools. Known as the Bike Shed, this partnership has led to the delivery of full fleets of bicycles and helmets for use in school gym classes, as well as donating adaptive bikes and tricycles to support students with complex learning needs.
Youth en Route also identified that a barrier to many students riding is the lack of secure bike storage. Through a partnership with the Forest Lawn Highschool welding program, students modify existing bike racks to make them more secure to lock up to. They have also started a lock-lending library at several schools throughout Calgary, where students can borrow U-locks from the office to use while they attend class.
The work Youth en Route does advocating for biking infrastructure and safer routes to school allows The City to better understand the missing links and gaps in our 5A mobility network and empowers more youth to feel safe and confident in their abilities to get around by bicycle.
They are always looking for funding and bike donations, as well as locks, helmets, lights, and bike and safety equipment (like reflective vests.) Connect with Youth en Route directly if you have items to contribute, or if you are interested in learning more about the GFL55+ Bike Shed.
