Ya Bikes

“Charlie was such a fun, generous, passionate person,” says Katherine McIlveen-Brown, the current manager of Charlie’s Freewheels. “He was an environmentalist – an urban explorer. Especially involved in cycling, we started this charity organization in his memory.”

Charles Prinsep was a strong advocate for cycling in Toronto. But during a cross-continent bike trek from San Diego to Vancouver and back to Toronto Charlie was struck by a car. He passed away at just 23 years old. Inspired by his dedication and his story, Katherine and her group started Charlie’s Freewheels: a charity organization dedicated to expanding cycling as a passion in Toronto’s youth.

“The program mainly revolves around bike donations,” explains Katherine. “Teenagers come in and we help them tear down and rebuild their used bike. After they’ve learned the mechanics and built their bike, they get to keep it for free.”