Sustainable Bike Co-Op to transition to Wenatchee Valley YMCA

WENATCHEE — The Sustainable Bike Co-Op will transition from Sustainable NCW to the Wenatchee Valley YMCA by the end of the year, with the YMCA taking over the community bicycle program as part of its expanding outdoor recreation offerings.

The transition will occur gradually through December, according to a joint announcement from the organizations. The YMCA will retain Sustainable Bike Co-Op Coordinator Bren Castañeda and plans to hire an additional part-time associate to support the program.

The Bike Co-Op was founded by community volunteers and developed under Sustainable NCW. During its first two years, the program has offered bicycle repair workshops, bike refurbishment, youth programs, community events and bike corrals.

“Sustainable NCW launched and nurtured Sustainable Bike Co-Op because bicycle repair and resources and bike refurbishment perfectly exemplify local sustainability in action,” Sustainable NCW Executive Director Marlene Farrell said. “Sustainable NCW is confident that the YMCA will steward what we’ve started with Sustainable Bike Co-Op, and we’ll happily work together when possible.”

The YMCA has previously provided space for the Bike Co-Op in its Community Annex, where participants have been able to learn repair skills, work on bicycles and volunteer.

The organization will incorporate the Bike Co-Op into its Outdoor Recreation programming following the transition.

“We’re so excited to welcome the Sustainable Bike Co-Op into the Wenatchee Valley YMCA as we expand our Outdoor Recreation programs and create more opportunities for our community to get outside,” said Riley Ann Baxter, director of outdoor and environmental education at the Wenatchee Valley YMCA. “The Bike Co-Op is an exciting part of this vision, creating even more ways for locals and visitors alike to explore our beautiful valley, build outdoor skills, and learn to recreate responsibly.”

Bike Co-Op programs will continue during the transition, including opportunities for participants to learn bicycle repair, use tools and workspace, volunteer and refurbish bikes.

“In just two short years, the Sustainable Bike Co-Op has grown into a strong community asset because of the amazing participation and support of our volunteers,” said Van Brinkerhoff, Sustainable Bike Co-Op co-founder and Sustainable NCW board member. “As we transition to the Wenatchee Valley YMCA, we’re excited to expand that impact with a deeper volunteer base and broader community reach.”

Sustainable NCW will continue its work on waste reduction education, recycling, organics management and industrial symbiosis after transferring the bicycle program.

“The mission of Sustainable NCW casts a wide net and we have much work to do related to waste reduction awareness and education, especially in light of current state laws, as well as industrial symbiosis initiatives in the region,” Farrell said.

The Bike Co-Op's fall programming will continue during the transition, including its Fall Workshop Series. The Co-Op also plans to hold a bike and parts sale during the Wenatchee Valley YMCA Grand Opening Block Party from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 17.