Introduction to the Bike Works
By Shaudai Pankey, age 12

Who started NBW? When? Why? "The Bicycle Coalition Youth Cycle and Recycle are the people who started it," said Claudia. Claudia Crane is the executive director.

The NBW was started in 1996. Because Michael McGettigan of the Bike Coalition had heard about a program like this in New York City, he wanted to try it. He believes that there should be bike safety. Claudia did not hear about it until 1996. Then she joined.

There are two full-time workers, seven part-time workers, twenty-five volunteers and about 100 students per year, and when we go to do bike safety checks there are up to 300 students that are there.

Most of the bikes come from people who hear about the Bike Works and they make donations. We also get bike donations through bike shops like Frankenstein Bike Worx, Bike Therapy, Trophy Bike and Drive Sports. Most of the funding comes from Philadelphia-area foundations.

NBW runs several different programs. There are two groups of students, one from Haddington and one from Lea. The students come in and learn how to fix bikes and help out around the shop. They also work on their homework. After they earn over 30 hours, they graduate and take their bikes home.

We also do safety checks. About 16 times per year, three students and two staff members check bikes at camps, bike rides, block parties, health fairs and other places, including West River Drive. This is a free service for the community.

NBW has a special bike ride every month. We did a ride to Tinicum, we did the solar system ride and a mural tour. Every year at Thanksgiving, we do a "Don't be a Turkey; Wear a Helmet" ride. There's also a riding club that goes out almost every day.