Thursday, October 1, 2026
Intercity Transit distributed more bicycles in 2025 than in any other single year, according to a report for the Walk N Roll program.
During an Intercity Transit Authority meeting on April 15, Walk N Roll program Supervisor Kerri Wilson shared the milestone, as well as other data that showed the impact of the program in 2025.
Wilson said the Walk N Roll program aims to increase independence, improve safety and inspire healthy lifestyles by making walking, biking, rolling and riding public transit more accessible.
The program includes events to promote walking and cycling, initiatives to distribute free bicycles and safety gear, as well as hands-on classes to teach both riding and maintenance skills.
In 2025, Intercity Transit distributed 277 new and refurbished bicycles, which Wilson noted is a leap from the agency’s previous record of 100.
Of that number, 180 bicycles were distributed through the Pedal it Forward program, which aims to reduce the number of bicycles that end up in landfills.
In 2025, the agency partnered with Thurston County to open a bike donation site at the Waste and Recovery Center in Lacey, where community members donated 356 used bicycles, 156 of which were refurbished.
Additionally, Intercity Transit handed out 301 bicycle helmets through a number of events and programs.
Education also plays a major role in the program. A total of 2,644 individuals were taught bicycle safety skills, including 116 people who learned how to ride for the first time. Another 443 people were taught bicycle maintenance skills.
The efforts included the new Teens Biking to Destinations program, which was funded by a grant from the Washington State Department of Transportation and administered by Cascade Bicycle Club. Through the program, the agency provided hands-on safety education and group rides to 158 middle school and high school students.
Other new programs in 2025 included monthly do-it-yourself bike repair events, a new bicycle safety program for adults, and a weeklong summer camp where kids ages 8 to 10 learned basic bicycle mechanic skills.
Intercity Transit also partnered with several local schools to organize more than 50 walking and cycling events.
The agency also provided repair and maintenance for the North Thurston Public School District's bike fleet and conducted safety lessons in seven schools using traffic gardens, which are miniature streetscapes designed to mimic real-life roads. As part of this effort, the agency assisted in the installation of a permanent traffic garden at Chambers Prairie Elementary School.
As for 2026, Wilson said the agency aims to offer more events and learning opportunities for adults, as well as secure additional funding.
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KarenM
This is a fantastic program! Intercity Transit Walk N Roll is providing transportation for people of all ages. They are helping people ride safely and teaching repairs skills. The staff are enthusiastic and hard working. I am grateful for the volunteers who spend their time on this worthy effort. Hurray!
Friday, May 8 Report this
Arete
Good for the environment better yet as the exercise is beneficial to good health. Way to go !
Friday, May 8 Report this
Snevets
Such a great program!
Friday, May 8 Report this