Cycling season is upon us in the Okanagan and we are so lucky to live in a community that fosters an active, outdoor lifestyle.

If you’ve dreamed of riding down the boardwalk with your cycle crew but have yet to purchase a bike of your own, Pathways Abilities Society has the perfect solution for you.

BikeWays is a pre-loved bike shop and social venture created by Pathways as a way for those with diversabilities in our community to find an exciting and comfortable place to work.

Photo credit: BikeWays

The shop repairs and refurbishes a wide range of gently used bikes to not only save your wallet but help the environment by reusing and recycling.

From children’s bikes to trail, road and mountain riders, BikeWays has a low-cost option for every type of cyclist.

If you already have a bike at home that you’re itching to take on the road but it needs a few repairs, BikeWays also has quality, gently used bike parts in stock to help you on your way.

The best part? 100% of the proceeds from each bike or part sold goes toward employee wages and activity support throughout our community.

“It is all about employment for everyone and for those that we employ with diverseabilities – our focus is giving them a sense of empowerment, acknowledgment and accomplishment,” said Bonnie Fraser, Pathways employment manager.

In addition to providing affordable cycling options for all, BikeWays is also a great option for those of you looking to give your older models to a good home. Donate your outgrown two-wheelers or put them up for a consignment deal to keep it pedalling down the streets and out of the landfill.

Photo credit: BikeWays

“Learning how to work on bikes is a cool trade to have not only for work but also for the recycling aspect. We focus on the big picture here, employment and also how to be a responsible business by reducing, recycling and creating a smaller footprint,” said Fraser.

In partnership with Bike to Work Week, BikeWays will be hosting a Satellite Station in their parking lot on Tuesday, May 28  from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. offering up refreshments courtesy of SunRype and BC Growers to cyclists and an opportunity for those who are curious to learn more about the initiatives the bike shop has in place.

BikeWays is located at 1216 St. Paul Street in downtown Kelowna.

Pathways Abilities Society is a non-profit organization providing services to individuals with diverse abilities in the Central Okanagan for over 60 years. Among the services it provides, Pathways connects local progressive businesses with individuals with diverse abilities, developing customized employment programs that put diverse abilities to work in our community.