The Salvation Army of Central Indiana and Dakich Cycles for the City to Surprise Local Children With New Bicycles and Safety Training
Children participating in The Salvation Army of Central Indiana’s summer day camps and those staying at The Salvation Army Ruth Lilly Women and Children’s Center will receive an unforgettable gift this month: a new bicycle, helmet, lock, lunch, and hands on safety lesson, courtesy of Dan Dakich and his nonprofit Dakich Cycles for the City.
On June 18, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, children will gather at The Salvation Army Divisional Headquarters, located in at 6060 Castleway West Dr. in Indianapolis, for a morning focused on bicycle safety, confidence building, and healthy outdoor activity.
The event will include a guided bicycle safety lesson, instructions on safe riding habits, proper helmet and bike safety, and rules of the road.
After completing the safety session, each child will be surprised with their own bicycle and helmet courtesy of Dakich Cycles for City Foundation.
“We are happy to receive bikes from Dan Dakich and his organization,” said Major Dan Sawka, General Secretary for The Salvation Army Indiana. “Partnering with other nonprofit organizations to put bikes in children’s hands is a great way to make sure our youth is staying active. It’s important to promote active lifestyles and staying healthy.”
For many of the children attending, this will be the first bicycle they have ever owned, giving them not only a new form of recreation but also a sense of independence, confidence, and mobility.
Cycling offers physical, emotional, and social benefits, from encouraging daily exercise to helping kids explore their neighborhoods, build friendships, and experience the joy of outdoor play. For families staying at the Ruth Lilly Women and Children’s Center, the bikes also represent a moment of normalcy and celebration during a time of transition.
Media is invited to attend the event. Please reach out to Dan Haughn at dan.haughn@usc.salvationarmy.org for any additional information. Photos from the 2025 bike event can be found on Flickr HERE.