Community Partner Spotlight: White Oak Bicycle Co-Op

November 13 ,  2026 – A new bike traffic garden at Lookout Valley Elementary is giving students a fun, hands-on way to learn bike safety and build confidence on two wheels, thanks to a partnership with White Oak Bicycle Co-Op. 

Based in Chattanooga, White Oak Bicycle Co-Op is a volunteer, non profit organization dedicated to improving access to bicycles, teaching bike safety and creating more opportunities for children and families to explore the city on bikes. The organization refurbishes and distributes donated bikes, provides bicycle education and repair services, and works with schools and other community partners to create safe places for people to ride. 

The partnership at Lookout Valley Elementary began when the school counselor, Ms. Mallott, connected with Ben Richards of White Oak Bicycle Co- Op during the school’s Walk and Bike to school event. That connection helped turn the idea of a bike traffic garden into reality, giving students a designated space to practice riding and learn how to navigate traffic signs, intersections, and other road markings. 

With grant funding supporting the project and bikes, and Elder’s ACE Hardware donating the colorful paint, the team brought the traffic garden to life in just two days. Ben Richards and Blake Pierce worked tirelessly, doing all of the painting and designing, to transform part of the playground at Lookout Valley Elementary into an interactive space where students can develop important safety skills while also enjoying time on their new bikes. 

Lookout Valley Elementary Principal Valerie Bonine praised the efforts of both White Oak Bicycle Co-Op and Ms. Mallott for her work in making the project possible, including helping secure bike donations for students. The school is part of a broader effort to expand access to bikes and bike safety education across Hamilton County Schools.

The Lookout Valley installation marks the sixth bike traffic garden completed by White Oak Bicycle Co-Op. The organization hopes to continue working with schools and community partners to bring more of these spaces to students. Schools interested in having a bike traffic garden of their own can learn more about White Oak’s work and reach out to explore the possibilities at www.whiteoakbicycle.org.

Thank you to White Oak Bicycle Co-Op, Elder’s ACE Hardware, and everyone who helped bring this project to schools like Lookout Valley Elementary!