We offer youth programs at our location and across the city, bicycle mechanic classes, workshops, and special events to members of the community.
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We empower youth of all abilities and circumstances to build stronger, healthier communities. Respecting their diversity in culture, identity, and opinion, we develop creativity, self-sufficiency and economic opportunity through hands-on education and business development. As a youth development organization our programs use bikes as a tool for positive transformation.
We can also help you fix your bike. Get more enjoyment out of riding while saving money on repairs. Trained instructors walk you through each aspect of bike maintenance in informative, relaxed classes. Our helpful shop supervisors run frequent open shops that provide you with helpful advice, bike stand and tools included.
Our Executive Director and Founder of WTB. In partnership and with the Board of Directors, he develops and implements annual and long-term strategic goals and objectives to advance the mission of the organization. He oversees the management and development of programs, people, and initiatives of West Town Bikes. Since 2004, Alex has developed a majority of programs as well as developed and piloted programs for other organizations including the Active Transportation Alliance, After School Matters, Elev8, Children's Home and Aid Society, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago and the City of Chicago.
Our Program Manager, was introduced to West Town Bikes when it became her local community bike shop. She came from a video production background and utilizes her skills to show the public what West Town Bikes is doing. In time, she came to be a consistent volunteer and mentor through Girls Bike Club. As an instructor her eyes were open to seeing a mass amount of powerful development in youth at multiple schools and programs throughout the city. She is now the Program Manager and hopes to encourage more youth to film and document their talents through the bike shop.
Our Business Manager. Born and raised in Humboldt Park, she still works and lives in the community and raised two daughters here. Along with managing the finances at WTB, she helps facilitate Girls Bike Club, which holds a special place in her heart. Her two daughters participated in WTB programs and the oldest, Shacora Hawkins, is one of the co-founders of Girls Bike Club.
Our Resource Development Manager has over twenty years experience working with youth and young people around the world as well as in Chicago. He's a utility biker and collector of old English 3speeds who enjoys sharing his passion with everyone who comes to West Town Bikes. Before settling on fundraising Garth was a canoe guide, air force contractor, college professor, humanitarian aid worker, barista, and all around do-gooder.
Our Programs Coordinator, better known as Angie began her life at WTB at 15 years old. She participated in a handful of After School Matters programs at WTB and is a founding member of Girls Bike Club. Angie then took on the roll of Administrative Assistant along with instructing after school programs at elementary schools along the Bloomingdale Trail. Now you'll find her managing the 606 Trail ambassadors, creating master schedules, and planning WTB fundraisers and events.
Our Administrative Assistant, also known as Nono is a Humboldt Park native. She started volunteering at WTB at the young age of 12 and soon after began a apprenticeship through After School Matters. Now you'll find Nono assisting with West Town Health Market, Girls Bike Club and after school programs at elementary schools.
Program Instructor for our Park District Bike Camp at Northerly Island, recent graduate of Illinois Sate University, and Humboldt Park native. Cora's journey at WTB has led her many places, including co-founding our all girls cycling club- Girls Bike Club. You'll find her planning annual fundraisers or on an island living her best life.
Cyclocross Coach and Program Instructor, Aaron became our friend in 2012 as a regular at Open Shop. Shortly after Smith began teaching youth programs at elementary Schools Along the 606/ Bloomingdale Trail and After School Matters at CPS High Schools. In 2018 Aaron became coach of our Cyclocross team.