Members from the Free Cycles bike shop in Missoula met with children in Hot Springs to teach bike safety and the mechanics of what it takes to build and maintain your own bike.

There was a total of six classes during the school day Monday for children in Kindergarten through sixth grade. Several bikes that were brought in for donation but Free Cycles members took this opportunity to demonstrate how to repair the bikes and they were able to be returned in working order.

Eric Leutzinger, who has been working in bike shops since he was sixteen, explained different uses for bikes including being able to tote camping gear for an adventure.

Free Cycles has been operating in Missoula for 22 years. The shop has around 5,000 bikes that have been repaired or donated. They benefit from bike donations or new chains and tire tubes, but monetary donations are most effective in helping the members travel and educate the surrounding community.

One topic that always seems to arise is some pushback about wearing a helmet. Some children responded that they don't think they need one but the members of Free Cycle each shared that you never think you do until you have an accident, adding that some even have stories of crashes that cracked their helmet and made them grateful it protected their head.

Free Cycles has plans to continue visiting communities during the Summer and will advertise times and locations when that information becomes available.