Arlington Nonprofit Phoenix Bikes Hosts Bike Show Thursday

The Arlington nonprofit Phoenix Bikes is hosting their sixth annual Bike Show this Thursday.

The organization trains teens in bike mechanics in the hopes of teaching them discipline and the skills needed to get them employed.

“For some kids it’s really been a life changing experience,” said Henry Dunbar, who is the executive director for the organization.

Teens who work at the bike shop adjacent to Barcroft Park have the opportunity to build their own bikes from the ground up and earn a bike after 25 hours of work in the shop.

Thursday evening’s fundraising event in Crystal City features success stories from teens who have made their way through the program.

“There will be a young man talking who came out of juvenile detention center,” Dunbar said. “He’s been there almost daily since last year and we were able to hire him as one of the staff.”

The organization will have two bikes built by youth up for auction at the event.

“There aren’t a lot of kids who can build a bike from the ground up,” Dunbar said.

Last year, 88 children participated with Phoenix Bikes. This year, they have 57 children so far, including students from Hoffman-Boston Elementary School.

“The service we provide in training the kids to repair bikes is not replicated in any other region,” Dunbar said. “The more people know about us, the more we are able to provide this service to the community.”

“Arlington and the region is going through a bike renaissance right now…it’s growing by leaps and bounds. It’s a great time to be a part of this industry.”

The bike show takes place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday at
251 S. 18th Street in Crystal City on the 12th Floor. Tickets are $25 in advance; $30 at the door.