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The Westside Prevention Project Low Rider Bike Club

A Good Idea

Description

The Westside Prevention Project Low Rider Bike Club is a program that gives free low rider bike parts to members for each weekly counseling session they attend, and requires regular attendance to keep club membership. Membership in the club, with the motto "We don't need to get high to ride low," begins as a 20-week program. In this program youth attend sessions on various topics including adolescent drug treatment, aggression replacement training, and life and leadership skills development.

Goal / Mission

The goal of this program is to educate high-risk youth in San Bernardino about issues such as gangs, violence, and substance abuse. The program encourages participation by appealing to the low rider bike subculture, which neighborhood teens readily relate to.

Results / Accomplishments

More than 200 youth have participated in the program since it was launched 2 years ago, and more continue to enroll. Program officials find that as the young people's self-esteem, attitudes and schoolwork improve, they direct their energy toward more mainstream activities, such as playing on a baseball team and volunteering to become youth leaders.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Westside Prevention Project
Primary Contact
Sandra Bonilla, Westside Prevention Project Manager
Casa de San Bernardino, Inc
735 North D St
San Bernardino, CA 92401
(909) 381-5507
Topics
Health / Adolescent Health
Health / Alcohol & Drug Use
Health / Mental Health & Mental Disorders
Organization(s)
Westside Prevention Project
Source
National Center for Cultural Competence, Georgetown University
Date of publication
2003
Date of implementation
2001
Geographic Type
Urban
Location
San Bernardino, CA
For more details
Target Audience
Teens
Santa Cruz