Riding the Waves of Change: A Year of Triumphs and Transformations at 2nd Cycle

Hello, 2nd Cycle Community!

As we journey through the year, it's time to celebrate the incredible achievements and milestones that have shaped 2nd Cycle into the vibrant community hub it is today. Join us in reflecting on our collective successes and exciting developments that continue to define our mission and vision.

Program and Event Highlights:

1. Open Shop's Big Comeback:

   We're excited to announce the triumphant return of Open Shop! Now available every Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM and Saturday from 12 PM to 6 PM, it's the perfect space for bike enthusiasts and novices alike to come together, share skills, and work on their wheels.

2.Earn A Bike (EAB) Rides Again:

   After a year-long hiatus, we're overjoyed to bring back the Earn A Bike program. This initiative not only provides individuals with the opportunity to earn their bike through hands-on learning but also fosters a sense of community and empowerment.

3. Major Taylor Bike Club at Hilltop Heritage Club B:

   In collaboration with Tacoma Metro Parks, we've initiated the Major Taylor Bike Club at Hilltop Heritage Club B after School Program. This exciting partnership aims to inspire young minds and cultivate a love for cycling from an early age.

4. Pedaling for a Safer Community:

   This past spring and summer, we joined forces with City of Tacoma’s Safe Routes to School for a series of impactful initiatives, including three elementary school bike rodeos, four pop-up traffic gardens, and five Kidical Mass Tacoma family bike rides. These efforts not only promote safe cycling but also bring our community together in a fun and educational way.

5. Diversion Class with Pierce County:

   Teaming up with Pierce County, we organized a Diversion class aimed at enhancing protective factors for youth. By fostering positive youth development and connecting them with caring adults, we're working towards creating safe and supportive environments that prevent and reduce contact with the criminal justice system.

6. DEIB Committee Launch:

   In our ongoing commitment to serve the community in the best way possible, we're proud to announce the creation of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Committee. This initiative signifies our dedication to weaving these principles into the fabric of 2nd Cycle, ensuring that diversity is celebrated, equity is prioritized, inclusion is embraced, and everyone feels a sense of belonging in our bike shop, programs, and events.

7. Board Decision: Leon Nettels as Permanent Executive Director:

   After an extensive four-month search to find the ideal candidate to lead 2nd Cycle, we're excited to announce a decision that holds immense significance for our organization. The Board of Directors has chosen Leon Nettels, the Interim Executive Director, to continue steering the ship. This decision reflects the trust and belief in Leon's dedication, vision, and the integral work being done at 2nd Cycle for Tacoma and the South Puget Sound community.

Staffing and Shop Hours Expansion:

In addition to these incredible programmatic strides, we are thrilled to share that we have expanded our team by hiring dedicated programming staff. This step ensures that we are fully staffed to serve all the fantastic programs we've listed.

Moreover, to provide greater access to our bike shop, we've increased our hours of operation, now open to the public five days a week, Tuesday through Saturday. This expansion has allowed us to sell 414 used bikes, conduct 588 flat repairs, and offer 5700 used parts to our community.

Reflecting on Our Journey:

These achievements, coupled with our recent triumphs in reviving programs and forging impactful partnerships, underscore the resilience and determination of our community. Together, we're not just fixing bikes; we're shaping an inclusive and dynamic space where everyone can feel a sense of belonging.

As we look forward, we're filled with gratitude for the ongoing support from each one of you. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey, helping us pedal towards a future where diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are at the forefront of everything we do.

Rolling on,

Leon Nettels Executive Director 2nd Cycle