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24. “This is my last piece of paper and my last bike,”
he announces. That doesn’t include any of the bikes
earned through the build-a-bike program.
For years the workshop has been a kind of sanctuary,
but now bike polo on Thursdays is another draw
for the kids. The game provides a constructive challenge
for kids to focus their energy and attention.
While the youth of southeast Bakersfield may be by
disadvantaged by most standards, they have taken to
polo with uncanny ease. Many have been riding bikes
around since they were in diapers, and most are virtually
fearless and instinctively competitive.
“Those are the kids that are always on their bikes
and like riding bikes because that’s all they have.
They’re busy working on their bikes and working on
their handling,” Orozco says.
While children from low-income communities
have taken to polo like fish to water, others have not
been as responsive. “We go to schools in the nicer
areas and kids hop on bikes and they do not know how
to ride one at all. All they’re used to is the sidewalk,
and being in their neighborhood, 30 yards around their
house. You would think that the more upper class kids
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would be more accustomed to riding bikes and have
more fun with it, and they are the ones that actually
hate it,” says Orozco.
Even the stigma associated with bikes seems to foster
a heightened interest in the game. “It makes it even
more successful to bring bikes to a higher place with
these kids,” he says of taking their idea of a transportation
tool and turning it into a sport that involves skill
and strategy.
Kids find out about bike polo through their school,
their parents, or by passing through the park on their
way home from school. “The schools are very cooperative
with Bike Bakersfield because the kids love us.
If you do it in the afterschool program and you have
your own polo stuff—a few mallets and some cones—
then the kids can bring their own bikes. Almost always
guaranteed those kids will be willing to participate.”
While getting the schools, park administration, and
kids on board were all easily accomplished, the program
is not without its share of challenges.
“When we first came out here we got no respect
from anybody,” Orozco recalls. “The intimidation factor
is the number one thing. Those kids grow up think-