BIDDEFORD (AP) — A nonprofit bicycle repair and activity center in Biddeford is preparing to move into a new facility officials hope will get more kids involved and allow for expanded programs.

Andy Greif, executive director of the Community Bicycle Center, said the organization is close to completing the purchase of a 4,200-square-foot facility on Granite Street which will replace the cramped 1,125-square- foot garage that it has operated out of for eight years.

The Portland Press Herald (http://bit.ly/1luxB2J ) reported that the need for more space has grown as the number of kids involved has grown.

The center provides children as young ages 9 to 14 lessons on how to fix and build bikes, gives them opportunities for group rides, and even make bicycle art.

The program has served more than 1,100 children.