Thirty-seven children from Escuelita Maya, a program of the Guatemalan-Maya Center, were surprised with refurbished bicycles from Jack the Bike Man after successfully completing a six-week learn-to-ride program. At the beginning of the program, the West Palm Beach-based nonprofit gave each of the students a new bicycle helmet.
The bicycle donations, held July 29, recognized students who participated in weekly learn-to-ride classes led by Paige Montanye, owner of Wee Wheel Wellington. Throughout the six-week program, Montanye provided bicycles for instruction through a partnership with Trek Bicycle Wellington, helping young riders develop confidence, independence and essential cycling skills. Wee Wheel Wellington is a children’s cycling academy dedicated to helping children become confident, capable and safe riders.
During the final session, staff from Jack the Bike Man surprised each student with a refurbished bicycle, ensuring each child had both the helmet and wheels to ride safely to school, around their neighborhood and more.
“This is exactly what our mission is all about,” said Alejandro Hernandez, executive director of Jack the Bike Man. “A bicycle can be much more than a gift. It creates independence, encourages healthy activity and opens doors to new opportunities. Watching these children gain confidence throughout the program and then get to leave with their very own bicycles was incredibly meaningful. This is what our supporters fuel each day.”
Montanye said the partnership ensured students could continue building on the skills they worked so hard to achieve.
“Many of these children had never ridden a bicycle before,” she said. “Over six weeks, we watched them overcome fear, build confidence and experience the excitement that comes with learning something new. Sending them home with their own bicycles means the learning doesn’t stop here and equally shows them how valued they are.”
The giveaway is part of Jack the Bike Man’s year-round effort to remove transportation barriers and expand opportunities for children, adults, and seniors throughout Palm Beach County, including our annual back-to-school initiative recognizing deserving students.
This year, however, the nonprofit faces a shortage of donated children’s bicycles and is asking the community for help.
Jack the Bike Man has launched a campaign to raise $20,000 by Sept. 15 to provide 100 new bicycle packages for students nominated through its Character Counts program. Each $200 sponsorship provides a child with a new bicycle, helmet, lock, safety inspection, professional bike fitting and age-appropriate bicycle safety education.
“Every year we meet incredible students whose hard work and character deserve to be celebrated,” Hernandez said. “Unfortunately, this year we simply don’t have enough donated bicycles to recognize every child who has earned one. We’re asking the community to help us close that gap.”
Community members interested in sponsoring a bicycle package or making a donation of any amount, can visit jackthebikeman.org. For more information about Wee Wheel Wellington, including enrolling children in the program, visit weewheelwellington.com.
