As an official partner of Vancouver’s Our Cityride event held on Aug. 19, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines donated nine bikes to select youngsters through its KLM Cares program.

Sixteen more bikes will be offered in the next months to members of the Vancouver community.

KLM’s donations were carried out through the 365 International Sport Foundation, organizers of the event to support the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canucks Autism Network and Strathcona Community Centre.

The inaugural 17-km Our Cityride Vancouver event attracted 1,500 participants.

Over and above its donations of bikes, helmets and locks, KLM’s participation also included a fun obstacle path for kids, as well as a chance to win a trip for four to Amsterdam open to all participants.