written by Ed Roos, Sharing Wheels Program Manager
Sharing Wheels has been busy getting kids on bikes! Earlier this year, Sultan Middle School‘s Sultan-Sky Mountain Bike Club received a donation of nine well-loved (and very rusty!) bikes. Assistant Principal Kim Gilreath reached out to Sharing Wheels, who eagerly accepted the challenge. Despite the bikes being in rough shape—think rust, weeds, and missing parts—Sharing Wheels mechanics spent over a month meticulously restoring them. The result? Nine safe and reliable bikes ready for the club’s adventures. Gilreath was thrilled, as you can see in the picture below!!
Sharing Wheels’ commitment to cycling extends beyond mountain bikes. When Gateway Middle School in Everett needed help with special education trikes, Sharing Wheels partnered with Clinton Grove of Seattle Trike. Grove expertly repaired the trikes, ensuring accessibility for all students.*
And that’s not all! Sharing Wheels recently signed a maintenance contract with Everett Schools to keep their 65-bike fleet, donated by the Cascade Bicycle Club through WSDOT’s Move Ahead Washington program, in top condition. The bikes are used for the elementary school “Let’s Go” learn to ride program.
Finally, Sharing Wheels is investing in the next generation of cyclists by launching a Youth Bike Club. Our first group of Youth Bike Club students has been learning about parts, tools, safety, and self-confidence as we build skills over 8 weeks together. These North Middle School students are enthusiastic hands-on learners (and snack eaters).
To Sharing Wheels, youth bikes represent more than just transportation; they’re vessels of possibility. They will carry these kids on grand adventures, build their confidence, and connect them to the joy of riding. In a world that often feels uncertain, the simple act of getting on a bike can be a powerful reminder of the freedom and potential that lies outside our doors. Thanks to the dedication of our skilled volunteers and staff, these students now have a chance to experience that joy firsthand, one pedal stroke at a time.
*Editor’s Note: Clinton started his professional bike shop career with us here at Sharing Wheels (about 2017?). We’re so glad he’s still part of our community bike shop.