Children of the Valley is a free after-school program for under-resourced children in Skagit County, and the Cascade Bicycle Club is the country’s largest statewide bicycling nonprofit.

“The after-school bike club will help alleviate pressure experienced by families who need assistance with after-school care, and provide safe, positive spaces for children to grow and connect with friends in the community,” Children of the Valley Executive Director Flora Lucatero said in a news release.

“Partnering with Children of the Valley helps support our mission to bring people together to experience the joy of bicycling through transportation, recreation and friendship. We want to make biking accessible to all, no matter the age,” Cascade Bicycle Club Youth Development Program Officer Jacquelyn Billups said in the release.

The club is funded by the statewide Climate Commitment Act, which supports the School-Based Bicycle Safety Education Program created by the state Department of Transportation and the state Legislature.

The Climate Commitment Act appears likely to survive a challenge to repeal it. That challenge came through Initiative 2117 on the Nov. 5 general election ballot.

“In other places where biking is more common but maybe the access isn’t as widespread, it’s going to be great to resource those communities with the education and equipment,” Cascade Bicycle Club Youth Development Partnership Manager Rachel Longest said.

Lucatero noticed that many middle school students that volunteer with Children of the Valley may have to walk home, but this program could provide them another transportation option.

“I truly believe that removing barriers to transportation for our youth is key to providing access and opportunities to their future,” Lucatero said.