Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Garcia-Prats.
Hi Mark, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Bike Freedom Academy is really a blend of my experience in education, riding bicycles, business and entrepreneurship. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for kids to have access to healthy, active play, especially in urban settings where space and structured activities can be limited.
I noticed a gap: families were looking for ways to get their kids moving, building relationships and skills, and spending time outdoors, but not every child connects with traditional team sports. That’s where the idea for Bike Freedom started. I began by offering private learn-to-ride lessons that focused on confidence, movement, and fun. From there, the vision expanded.
Today, Bike Freedom Academy offers playful, developmentally informed cycling programs for all ages—from toddler balance bike classes to small group pedal sessions and guided group rides. Our mantra—Balance. Play. Explore.—captures the heart of what we do. We help kids build coordination and confidence, connect with their peers, and discover the joy of riding and moving through the world on two wheels.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but that’s part of the journey. One of the biggest challenges has been introducing this kind of programming to Houston. Bicycle education and programming isn’t something most parents immediately think of when they’re looking for after-school or enrichment activities. There’s a lot of awareness-building involved in helping families see that riding a bike isn’t just a milestone. It’s a powerful tool for building confidence, fitness, independence and community.
At the same time, I’m working to grow a small business while staying true to our core mantra: Balance. Play. Explore. That applies not just to the kids in our classes, but to me as a founder. I’m constantly balancing vision and logistics, staying playful in how we teach and connect, and exploring ways to reach more families.
There’s also the usual behind-the-scenes work like managing insurance, scheduling, staffing, and systems, all while still coaching classes. But every time I see a child go from nervous to proud on two wheels, it reaffirms why I started and reminds me to keep moving forward.
We’ve been impressed with Bike Freedom Academy, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Bike Freedom Academy is a provider of bicycle education and recreation programming in Houston that helps kids build confidence, coordination, and a lifelong love of movement. We focus on three core offerings: Balance Bike Play Sessions, Learn to Ride Lessons, and Group Rides that explore Houston’s trail systems.
Our Balance Bike Play Sessions are designed for toddlers and preschoolers, using imaginative games and group movement to help children as young as 18 months develop balance and bike-handling skills in a fun, age-appropriate way.
Our Learn to Ride Sessions use a proven balance-first approach to help kids (and adults) transition from gliding to pedaling without training wheels. These are offered as both one-on-one private lessons and in small group formats.
Our Group Rides are for kids who already know how to pedal but are still building strength and stamina. These rides take place along Houston’s bayou trails and introduce real-world riding in a safe, supportive environment.
What sets us apart is our mantra: Balance. Play. Explore. We believe riding a bike should feel like an adventure, not a chore. Everything we do is rooted in play, discovery, and meeting each rider where they are. Our goal is not just to teach a skill—it’s to build confidence, curiosity, and community through cycling.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
When just starting out, my biggest piece of advice is to stay close to your “why.” It’s easy to get caught up in logistics, comparisons, and second-guessing. But if you’re building something rooted in purpose, let that guide your decisions and keep you grounded when things get tough.
I also think it’s important to start small and stay flexible. I began with a few private lessons and let the program grow based on what families needed and responded to. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin. Just get started, listen closely, and be willing to adjust.
I wish I had known how much education it would take to introduce a new kind of offering to the community. I assumed if I built it, people would come. But I quickly realized I had to help people understand why it mattered. That part takes time, consistency, and a lot of storytelling.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. The right mentors, collaborators, and partners can make all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bikefreedomacademy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bikefreedomacademy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574048199677&sk=about
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bike-freedom-academy
Image Credits
All photos taken by and belong to Bike Freedom LLC
