The non-profit bicycle organization that has given free bikes to youth in Portland's Kennedy Park neighborhood is closing its doors.

The Bike Shop has served 1,102 area children and youth in the past five years, offering them group rides, bike repair and donated and purchased bikes.

In addition, Matt Velguth, the founder and director of The Bike Shop, has trained local youth for some of the area's toughest triathlons, including the Freeport Lobsterman.

A lack of funding is the reason for the organization closing, Velguth said. Run the past four and half years mostly on grants, Velguth said he was hoping to fund The Bike Shop with more direct donations from area businesses.