Building a stronger community, one bike ride at a time

Published 1:30 am Friday, August 7, 2026

Have you ever noticed how a bicycle can bring people together? Whether it’s a child learning to ride, a neighbor commuting to work, or friends exploring Bainbridge Island on two wheels, bikes create opportunities for connection, health, and independence. That’s the idea behind Squeaky Wheels, a nonprofit dedicated to making bicycling safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable for everyone on Bainbridge Island.

Squeaky Wheels works to remove barriers to biking through advocacy, education, and community events that help people of all ages and abilities feel confident getting around by bike. We partner with the city, schools, and other community organizations to encourage safe, active transportation while building a healthier, more connected island. Every improvement to our bike facilities makes it easier for children to get to school, adults to commute, and families to enjoy Bainbridge together.

One of our favorite ways to bring the community together is through fun, inclusive events—and our annual Bike for Pie ride is just around the corner on Aug. 30! Bike for Pie is a relaxed community ride that welcomes everyone, from seasoned cyclists to people who haven’t been on a bike in years. We have family and challenge course options. On either course, riders enjoy a scenic route, great company, and, of course, a well-earned slice of homemade pie at the finish.

Bike for Pie is more than a fun tradition. It’s an invitation to discover that biking can be practical, joyful, and accessible. Every person who gains the confidence to ride has a new way to move around town, stay active, and connect with neighbors along the way. As more people choose to bike for short trips, Bainbridge benefits from reduced traffic, cleaner air, and safer streets for everyone.

There are many ways to get involved with Squeaky Wheels beyond participating in Bike for Pie. We want to meet you where you are. We depend upon volunteers to help us with our events and advocate alongside us for safe infrastructure. Whether you enjoy helping at events, talking with neighbors, helping behind the scenes, or advocating for infrastructure at a city council meeting, we’d love to have you join us.

Not ready to volunteer? That’s fine too. Join our newsletter to follow what we’re up to and help spread the word. We hold community events throughout the year, such as movies and happy hour socials, and would love to see you there. Check out a board meeting – we meet at the Marge Williams Building the second Monday of every month from 7-8:30 p.m.

As summer winds down, Bike for Pie is the perfect opportunity to experience what Squeaky Wheels is all about: neighbors coming together, enjoying beautiful Bainbridge scenery, and celebrating the simple pleasure of riding a bike.

To learn more about Bike for Pie, volunteer opportunities, upcoming events, or our advocacy work, visit SqueakyWheels.org⁠, follow us on Facebook, and join our newsletter. Your voice matters to our mission to build a more bike-friendly Bainbridge. We hope to see you on a ride, at an event, or at a board meeting soon.

We’ll save you a slice of pie.

Alyse Nelson is the current president of Squeaky Wheels. She has lived on Bainbridge Island since 2008. She is an urban planner by education and profession and a bicycle rider and advocate in her spare time.