Charlie's FreeWheels Receives Bicycle Friendly Business Award from Toronto
Mayor

TORONTO , Jan. 20 /CNW/ - The City of Toronto has named Charlie's FreeWheels (CFW) as one of the winners of the 2009 Bicycle Friendly Business Awards at a ceremony Tuesday evening at the Gladstone hotel. The awards recognize that cyclists help make Toronto a greener and healthier place to live, work, and play. A 'Golden Spoke' trophy was presented along with a scroll from Mayor David Miller .

CFW, a Toronto-based earn-a-bike program, trains at-risk youth in bicycle mechanics and safety by combining hands-on practice, cooperative work, discussion, and mentoring. Co-director Joshua Farr explains, "The pride of rebuilding a bicycle builds self-esteem and responsibility in young people. After the program, our students have significantly honed their problem solving abilities while having also gained a marketable skill." Past participants are encouraged to build upon their achievements through the pursuit of internship positions at local bike shops and leadership roles in subsequent CFW sessions. CFW launched its pilot program from Regent Park in summer 2009 with help from the Pathways to Education(TM) mentorship program. CFW's next session will begin in February 2010 .

Charlie's FreeWheels celebrates the life of Charlie Prinsep (1984-2007), who was killed while biking across the continent. Cycling connected his life's passions: art, environment, and social responsibility.

A digital 'yearbook' with the past participants' thoughts, stories and photos is available for download at www.charliesfreewheels.ca/book

More information at www.charliesfreewheels.ca and www.toronto.ca/cycling/bfba/

For further information: Media Enquiries: Joshua Farr, Co-Director, Charlie's FreeWheels, Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected], Web: www.charliesfreewheels.ca