Seattle is rich with bike advocacy and community building through bikes, though one group stands out in my mind. Bike Works. Founded in 1996, their programs educate and empower youth, and make bicycling accessible and affordable to the Seattle community.

I was first introduced to Bike Works through Seattle Girls School, where they were teaching 6th grade girls about bike mechanics and prepping for a three-day biking trip to Lopez Island. Four years later, I found myself chaperoning that trip. It was a powerful experience, seeing 25+ young girls feel strong, powerful and independent.

Bike Works hosts both all-girl and co-ed mechanics classes. Tina Bechler, Program Director, says she was excited to have 6 girls of 14 in their last Intermediate Class. These classes are part of their UGottaGetABike program, where youth in South Seattle on free/reduced lunch who do not have bikes can take home free helmets and “new” bicycles. These bikes are refurbished by youth in their Earn-a-Bike and Drop-In Community Service programs.

Coming up in December, Bike Works will hold its 2013 Holiday Kids Bike-o-Rama on Saturday, December 21st, 2013, from 10am – 2pm. This event comes just in time for the holidays, as they partner with youth focused organizations around the area, providing bikes and helmets to youth.

Bike Works is a powerful organization, one that Iva Jean is proud to support. We encourage you to support bike advocacy and community building by donating to Bike Works today!