Charlotte Bike Program Hits 25-Year Milestone Helping Kids Through Re-Cyclery Shop

Last year, the Re-Cyclery shop put bikes back into the hands of nearly 2,000 Charlotte residents. Kids learned bike safety and repair skills while the program kept tons of metal parts from filling landfills.

On Atando Avenue, the shop funds youth activities by fixing bikes and teaching repair skills. Staff members work with both kids and adults who want to learn basic maintenance.

"I think that's the next step of the Re-Cyclery — to grow the next generation of mechanics," said Executive Director Eric Supil, according to The Charlotte Ledger.

Kids join different activities all year long. Two times a month from spring to fall, young riders hit mountain bike trails. In the course of a six-hour course, children ages 9 to 16 master safe riding skills.

After finishing the training program, each child gets their own set of gear. A bike, helmet, lights, and lock give them a safe start to riding.

At the North End Farmers Market, a repair station helps locals maintain their bikes. "We're really excited folks can come to farmers markets where they can find healthy food, but also get their bikes serviced and connect those two aspects of sustainability," Supil said.

The shop plans to add skills training to its list of services. Their classroom space will host science and engineering lessons for young learners.

Past students now work in many technical fields. The program sparked careers in bike repair, engineering, and building design.

People donate old bikes to the shop, where staff fix and sell them at low cost. This smart system keeps bikes on the road instead of in dumps, while making cycling more affordable for everyone.