The Bike Union aims to use the bicycle as a means of social change for Omaha adolescents and the community as a whole.
17% of Omaha’s Adolescents
Are not enrolled in school AND are unemployed or not in the labor force. [1]
Unemployment at this crucial stage in life has been shown in certain youth to lead to a host of other negative issues such as criminal activity, early pregnancy, homelessness, and substance abuse.[2]
Ensuring Adolescents are Ready
Our job-mentoring program for at-risk adolescents ages 16-24 is designed to produce viable job candidates who possess the technical skills and core competencies to make them attractive to potential employers. Providing at-risk Omaha adolescents with a pathway to economic self-sufficiency will lead to reduced costs of public supports and a safer community.
Being Environmental Friendly
Not only with our works, but with our actions too.
Our commitment to refurbishing pre-owned bicycles reduces our carbon footprint and the potential negative environmental impact created during the fabrication of new bike frames and components.3 We also seek to promote riding a bicycle as a way of life; for better physical & mental health, and environmental friendliness.
[1] U.S. Census Bureau, 2009-2013 5-Year American Community Survey.
[2] JimCaseyYouth-Midwestcasestudy,Urban.org-theeffectsoflong-termunemployment.
[3] National Geographic Buying Guide – Bike Environmental Impact – National Geographic’s Green Guide http://on.natgeo.com/fIG9Uh