The Common Wheel

What We Do

Since 2014, it's been our mission to educate, inspire and empower Lancaster's bike-riding community, regardless of their age or background. 

Your donation helps fund the following programs run by staff and dedicated volunteers:   

Earn-a-Bike 

In "EAB," trained mentors and staff teach kids ages 11-18 valuable mechanical skills by learning how to overhaul, maintain, and ride their bikes safely. Our curriculum provides opportunities for students to build STEM skills and learn financial literacy as they calculate the time and effort they put into refurbishing their bike. After completing the course, students keep their bike and are provided with a helmet, lock and light. 95% of our students participate at reduced tuition or full scholarship. Graduates of our Earn-a-Bike program may be chosen to participate in our paid apprenticeship to hone their STEM and soft skills, all while building their resume and preparing for the job market. 

Bikes for All

This adult program is for people who need a bike for transportation. Our volunteers and staff refurbish donated bicycles for low-income individuals, refugees, and formerly incarcerated persons. We provide participants with a helmet, lock, and light, and ensure their bikes are ready to ride. 

Youth Bike Workshop

Wednesdays, from February through November, our co-op space is open to school-age members of the community. During this time, our staff and volunteers provide them with free guided repairs. Best yet, they can buy used parts for just $1! 

MaryAnn Caldwell Spring Bike Fling

Throughout the year, volunteers refurbish donated children's bicycles, then we give them away to elementary-aged children who attend the School District of Lancaster. Held each May, this one-day event has become a staple celebration. The Common Wheel has given away over 1,000 bikes and helmets to excited children over the past 8 years.

Queers & Gears

This adult program is an affinity group for Lancaster's LGBTQ+ community. Providing safe spaces for riding, repairing, and bikepacking is a goal of our organization. In 2025, we continued to add items to our popular gear library (all available free of charge) and led overnight camping trips so more people can enjoy the recreational benefits Pennsylvania offers. 

Adult Mechanics Class

AMC teaches basic bicycle maintenance to adults on a sliding scale fee. This class runs monthly at The Common Wheel and explores both roadside repairs and more complicated tasks to help our cycling community become more self-sufficient when they're on two wheels.

Who We Are

The Common Wheel has two locations in downtown Lancaster, a community bicycle center and a co-op & donation center. With programming for children and adults, we strive to transform our community through the power of bikes. 

To learn more about us, visit https://thecommonwheel.com/