Volunteers repairing bikes.
Neighbors reaching goals.

Freewheels Houston repairs donated bikes and puts them into the hands of those who need them most. Our volunteers provide reliable, refurbished bicycles—along with new helmets, lights and locks—to refugees, veterans, youth from low-income families and others.

The mobility that comes with a bike can be life-changing, empowering people to take advantage of opportunities available in the Houston community.

Our bikes are donated by people from across the Houston area, repaired by volunteers and distributed through schools and social service partners. We rely on the generosity of donors to pay for parts, supplies and safety equipment and maintain our well-equipped bike repair shop in southwest Houston.

Lisolett: Preserving traditions, powered by a bike.

Lisolett looked uncertain. The Venezuelan mother in her early 40s wore a fluffy white hoodie and new matching helmet. The ivory-colored bike in front of her accessorized perfectly. But she shook her head. “I don’t know how to use the coaster brakes on this bike,” she said. “I haven’t been…

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A family’s mobility: Sharing one bike to reach further

For many of our neighbors, the first few months in Houston are defined by the distance they can walk. When Abdul Karim Qayumi and his family of six arrived, they were eager to work and contribute, but their world was limited to the perimeter of their apartment complex. Mr. Qayumi’s…

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Bikes enable refugee family to navigate a new life

At Freewheels, the action unfolds at the bike shop – volunteers prepping and repairing bikes donated by our neighbors. A recent update from one of our resettlement partners – ECDC – Houston Multicultural Center – reminded us of the human momentum of our program. Meet Sayed Ghafoor Rawoof. When Sayed…

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