Bikes and Building the Community

Engineers Without Borders Visits ReCycle

It’s not uncommon that The ReCycle Shop receives requests for hosting groups to come in and work on bikes, but rarely is a group interested in an ongoing commitment to help. Enter Emma Radford, a student with the Engineers without Borders(EWB) Wichita State Chapter. She reached out and asked if there was a way we could support having their group on a more frequent basis.

After a bit of organizing, we created a way for EWB to complete two, two-hour workdays a month thus keeping them involved and their skill level growing. As the Shop Manager it is often a challenge to balance the time available, the need and want for help, and educating and supporting all of those who want to be involved in the ReCycle Program. We are always grateful for organizations who want to be a part of what we do, what excites us more is those who want to keep learning about bicycles as well as continuing to give back to the community.

The ReCycle shop is an opportunity for future engineers to gain hands-on mechanical experience in a unique on-the-ground approach that applies everyday engineering principles. Our two-hour sessions cover everything from brakes and their issues to changing tires and truing wheels. Truly this group is engaged, excited, and brings a different energy and perspective to a shop floor designed to give back and we look forward to having them around for many more sessions.

If you are interested in learning more about being involved please reach out to us through recycle@bikewalkwichita.org and/or info@bikewalkwichita.org and we will be happy to see how we can make more positive impacts in our community.

– Cody Custer