While many people give up their bicycles probably about the time acne and dating enter their lives, the trend to get back on and ride is becoming more acceptable with the younger crowd. Bikes Not Bombs(BNB), a Boston-based company, is championing that cause by promoting self-empowerment through cycling, and targeting kids and young adults looking for some low-cost freedom.

According to the Bicycle Retailer and Industry News, the total U.S. Bicycle Market rose from 15.2 million in 1997 to 16.6 million in 2001 and continues to grow in leaps and bounds yearly. Credit it to the popular velo trend, or link it to a less structured, outdoorsy way of getting exercise, but consider that the EPA has said that for every one mile pedaled rather than driven, nearly one pound of CO_² (0.88 pounds) is saved.

Regardless of why anyone bikes (most Americans do primarily for exercise), groups like BNB champion the activity as a means of sustainable transportation for kids and a tool that levels the playing field when it comes to oppression.

Read the full story on TakePart.