INDIANAPOLIS — Girls built their own bikes on Thursday at Nine13sports on the city’s near northwest side.

“They’re picking up how to use new tools, new skills, but also growing a lot of friendships along the way,” said Amanda Englert, a youth program facilitator with Nine13sports.

Nine13sports launched Kids Building Bikes in autumn 2018. This session is the first girls-only build, led by a team of all-female instructors.

“We noticed a decrease in female participation in some of our programs,” Englert said. “So, we decided to put our female staff to work.”

The hands-on program equips kids with the tools and skills to build their own bike and encourages problem-solving, confidence, and independence.

“You can encourage yourself by doing something, and you can use your own hands to do something,” participant Addisyn Bethela said.

Addisyn, 10, said she is not afraid to get her hands dirty.

“You’re going to use your hands a lot,” she said. “You’re going to get in oil. It’s going to be a little messy, but once you start getting into it, then you’ll start to get more comfortable with the oil and putting it on your bike.”

“Cadence,” 13, said the all-girls cohort provides a more relaxed environment.

“Anybody can do anything,” she said. “Why should only boys build bikes? We’re both human…I feel like everyone connects more. And not everybody is trying to run over someone. Like, ‘Oh, I’m better than you, so I’m better too.’ and stuff like that. Everybody is just friendly and kind.”

Each participant leaves with a bike, lock, and helmet at the end of the session. They also leave with tools not typically found in a bike shop.

“Showing that they can help people out,” Englert said. “They can use critical thinking along the way, and really just seeing what they can do in the future.”

Readers can learn more about Nine13sports programs online.