White Oak Bicycle Cooperative is entering the final quarter of 2026 with expanding bicycle programs in local schools, new places for children to learn to ride and increased transportation support for community partners across the Chattanooga region.

Through the end of the third quarter, WOBC has distributed 806 bicycles back into the community toward its goal of distributing 1,200 bicycles in 2026, supporting the work of 28 nonprofit organizations, 14 schools and eight government agencies.

Officials said, "WOBC continues to expand it's impact beyond bicycle distribution by creating more opportunities for children to learn to ride, helping people who depend on bicycles for transportation and building partnerships that make bicycles more accessible throughout the community."

WOBC has now provided new bicycle fleets to seven elementary schools, where the bicycles remain on campus and provide ongoing access for students. Participating schools are Red Bank Elementary, Soddy Elementary, North Hamilton County Elementary, Orchard Knob Elementary, Calvin Donaldson Elementary, Calhoun Elementary and Lookout Valley Elementary.

The bicycles support physical education, behavioral support, school programming and after-school activities. Because the bicycles remain at the schools, students can participate whether or not they own a bicycle at home.

“Bringing bicycles into schools gives students an opportunity to develop lifelong physical activity habits while learning the skills to ride safely and confidently,” said Blake Pierce, executive director of WOBC. “We also want more children across the Chattanooga region to have the opportunity to enjoy the incredible trails, parks, greenways and other outdoor recreation our community has to offer."

WOBC is pairing bicycle access with safe places for children to develop riding skills. The organization has helped create five traffic gardens across the region, providing protected spaces where children can practice bicycle handling and learn basic rules of the road.

Four additional traffic gardens are planned for Coolidge Park, Lookout Valley Elementary, Soddy Elementary and Calhoun Elementary.

“Access is more than getting a bicycle,” Mr. Pierce said. “Children also need a safe place to learn and practice bicycle skills. School fleets and traffic gardens help us bring those pieces together.”

WOBC also provides free weekly bicycle repair at Metropolitan Ministries for people who rely on bicycles for transportation.

From May through July, WOBC mechanics conducted 12 repair sessions and repaired 108 bicycles, averaging nine bicycles per session and more than four repair services per bicycle.

During the three-month period, mechanics provided 76 tubes and replaced 20 tires. Brake work was required on 51 percent of the bicycles, while 76 percent received new components.

“For many of the people we serve, their bicycle is their transportation,” said Ben Richards, director of bicycle operations at WOBC. “Keeping that bicycle working can mean keeping someone connected to a job, an appointment or the other places they need to go.”

WOBC has partnered with four local schools to stock ready-to-ride bicycles, allowing school staff to provide a bicycle directly to students who need transportation. The initiative began through a Future Ready student project at Red Bank High School.

WOBC’s bicycle transportation center (the Bike Box) on 12th Street provides another access point. During 2026, the center has served 13 partner agencies, providing on-demand access to bicycles for organizations whose clients need transportation.

With three months remaining in 2026, WOBC is working toward its goal of putting 1,200 bicycles back into the community this year, while continuing to operate school, education, repair and transportation programs. Reaching that goal takes the community, officials said.

“WOBC's work would not be possible without the volunteers, bicycle donors, donation locations, supporters and community partners coming togther to make a difference in our community," Mr. Pierce said. “The final-quater of the year is our busiest seasion. We currently need donated bikes to put back into the community, and support to make the work behind each of those bicycles possible.”

"Community members can help WOBC finish 2026 strong by donating a bicycle or making a financial contribution," officials said. "Every form of support creates more opportunities for children to learn to ride and helps people across the Chattanooga region access reliable bicycle transportation."

For more information, visit WOBC's website at whiteoakbicycle.org.