Bringing bike culture to Indigenous youth

In southern Manitoba, Peter Loewen, the owner of Country Cycle, is doing more than just running a bike shop. He’s teaching bike maintenance to Indigenous youth. Using his passion for cycling he’s creating a lasting impact on Indigenous communities through a grassroots program. His journey began in 2022, with a mission to address the lack of access to quality sporting equipment in these communities.

The program is built on a simple yet powerful idea: equip kids with durable bikes and teach them the skills to maintain them. Loewen’s hands-on approach—inviting kids to repair their own bikes —has not only sparked interest but also instilled a sense of pride and ownership among participants.

A need for proper bikes

“When I visit communities, I invite the kids to bring their bikes and we spend a few days repairing them,” Loewen explains. “Most of the bikes the kids have are from department stores and weren’t made for the rough conditions on gravel roads.” Loewen brings in tools, parts, and his experience, working with the children to fix their bikes. The workshops engage kids in practical problem-solving and give them a sense of accomplishment as they see their bikes transformed from barely functional to reliable rides.

More than just bike repair

Beyond repairs, Loewen is working to introduce programs like Kids of Mud, a six-week initiative teaching proper bike handling and riding skills. “I’d love to bring something like that to Indigenous communities,” he says. But Loewen admits the challenges in adapting these programs to fit the specific needs and environments of the communities. “It’s a trial-and-error process,” he acknowledges.

In these areas, where kids face significant challenges such as obesity, mental health struggles, addiction and isolation, biking provides not just physical exercise but also a new way to build self-esteem and community. “Biking has kept me balanced throughout my life and I see it as a potential tool for these kids as well,” Loewen reflects.

Respecting traditions

Loewen’s approach is careful and considered, especially when it comes to gaining the trust of the Indigenous communities. “There’s always the concern that here comes another white guy telling them how to run their community,” he says, aware of the sensitivities involved. To bridge that gap, he partnered with Eric Mentuck, an…