BATON ROUGE - Front Yard Bikes is moving into its Mid City shop, a new permanent home just in time for summer.

The Baton Rouge non-profit told WBRZ that this summer, it expects to see triple the number of children and teens that it serves during the school year.

"It's a new era," Troy Mitchell, an intern with Front Yard Bikes, said. "We learn how to do chains, change handlebars, seats, inner tubes, tires."

On Tuesday, the bike shop on Terrace Avenue closed, with the expectation of a two-day moving process.

Non-profit founder Dustin LaFont said he is trying to get the space open quickly, so children and teenagers seeking a safe space have somewhere to go.

"We're not just keeping kids busy, we're keeping kids active in development programs so that they're learning who they are," LaFont said.

Historically, BRPD says the summer months often see an increase in crime involving juveniles across the city. According to WBRZ numbers, from the beginning of the year to May 26, 2026, at least 23 different children and teens were shot in East Baton Rouge Parish. Of those, 15 died.

One of the victims had a tie to Front Yard Bikes. Devonte Coleman, a 17-year-old nicknamed "One Hand Tay," died in an accidental shooting in March.

Coleman was known for his love of bicycles, winning an award for a short documentary focused on riding bikes in the Louisiana High Schools Junior Film contest last year, as previously reported. His younger brother, Charleston Wright, also died in an accidental shooting in January 2026.

"The students there took it hard. There were a few that went to the funeral, the repass and every ride that was dedicated to him. They still try to keep his memory and name alive," Volunteer Coordinator Keidra Seiber said.

Now, more than ever, LaFont says children need a safe place to learn when school's out for months.

"It's vital to have programs investing in young people. Our young people are our greatest resource," LaFont said.

Front Yard Bikes teaches children and teens how to repair bicycles. In doing so, the non-profit teaches the young people workforce skills and the value of teamwork. Those who become interns have the opportunity to earn pay for their work. The money made from selling and repairing bikes funds the program.

The building will also house Youth City Lab, a space hosting other non-profits, mentoring and sharing job skills with program participants. Along with the Front Yard Bikes shop, it will also house the Line4Line barber shop, a venue for Humanities Amped, and an area for Big Buddy, along with a library and community garden.

"Youth in Baton Rouge, especially in South Baton Rouge, need a safe space like Front Yard Bikes, like Line4Line, like Big Buddy, all these wonderful organizations, Humanities Amped. They do great work providing career development, life skills and community," Cadence Perret, a Youth Council member representing Line4Line said.

Seiber added that she considers herself a success story of the Front Yard Bikes' programs.

"If I didn't come in and have what I have what I have with Mr. Dustin and the shop, then I don't think I'd be in a good place," Seiber said.

She said she related to the students in the programs.

"I've seen it growing up. I've seen it a lot. Kids were doing good growing up. We're having fun, we're in school, we're laughing. But before you know it, the kids are in something that's not good, is not right," Seiber said.

As of now, Front Yard Bikes plans to open its Mid-City location to the public on Friday. The location is 4385 Government St. More information can be found here regarding Front Yard Bikes.