One wrench turn at a time, a kid discovers they can build a bike — and their future.
At Bearings Bike Works, we don’t hand out bikes. We hand young people the tools, the grease, and the responsibility to build, fix, and ride what they earn.
In our shop, confidence isn’t given.
In our shop, confidence isn’t given — it’s earned with every perfectly tensioned spoke and every mile they pedal under their own power. The kid who once felt stuck learns they’re capable of more than they ever imagined. They leave not just with a bike, but with the unbreakable belief: I built this. I can build anything.
Here, pedals turn into purpose. Wrenches build character. And every earned mile proves that the right tools — in determined hands — can change everything.
Why we exist.
If you have kids, know kids, or watch the news, you see today’s youth facing a perfect storm: a nonstop digital world, AI reshaping jobs, rising costs, threats to mental and physical health, divisive isolation, and schools that often fall short on practical skills.
In Southwest Atlanta, the challenges hit even harder — with high poverty, low labor participation, violence, crime, and persistent dropout rates. It can feel overwhelming.
Yet we believe every young person is created in God’s image, carries unique gifts the world needs, and is made for community — connecting over shared interests while honoring each person’s individuality.
That’s why Bearings Bike Works exists — to help our city’s youth thrive: discover their strengths, build real skills and character through hands-on work, earn their own ride, and find genuine belonging among friends.
What Do We Do?
At Bearings Bike Works, we believe every young person deserves a chance to grow, learn, and take ownership of their future. Bikes are our tool, but transformation happens when youth are trusted with responsibility, guided by mentors, and given real opportunities to succeed.
Our approach meets young people where they are: some are just starting out, some are ready to challenge themselves on the trail, and some are preparing to step into the workforce. Through hands-on learning, coaching, and community, we help youth develop confidence, resilience, and the skills to thrive both on and off the bike.
Skills For Life
Frameworks Career Accelerator
Youth Cycling
The Impact
300+ Youth Served Annually in Skills for Life
15 Years of Serving SW Atlanta
8,000+ Bikes Donated
Our Team
Tim O’Mara
Co-Founder, Executive Director
Becky O’Mara
Co-Founder, Director of Development
Board of Directors, ChairmanAlex Grady
Our Story
Bearings began in 2008 on a front porch in Adair Park, when neighborhood kids started earning bikes by helping clean up trash and learning simple repairs.
What started with a few bikes quickly became dozens of kids showing up every weekend to learn and work together. As the program grew, so did the need for space — first a basement shop, and eventually, the purchase of property in Adair Park so Bearings could put down permanent roots in the community.
Today, our campus includes youth learning spaces, workforce training programs, a full-service retail bike shop, and direct access to the Atlanta Beltline — all dedicated to serving youth in Southwest Atlanta.
What started with one bike has become a long-term commitment to this neighborhood and its kids.
Get Involved!
Whether you're a potential partner, volunteer, donor, or youth/family — we're glad you're here.