On July 12, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, five members of the AYLUS Bellaire Branch volunteered at Freewheels Houston, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable transportation to low-income individuals, including refugees and veterans. Their mission is to support communities by restoring used bikes to safe and functional condition.
At the start of the event, an instructor explained how to clean the bikes properly, including which materials to use and which parts to focus on. Volunteers were then assigned to work either individually or in pairs to clean and repair broken or stained bikes and restore them to working condition.
Volunteers first removed the wheels and any excessive attachments, including headlights and baskets, by disconnecting the brakes. They then cleaned the wheels using Simple Green degreaser and soap to remove rust, grime, and dirt. Wheels were tested for any deviation in their circular path—such as wobbling—and inflated to 35–45 PSI before being reinstalled.
Next, volunteers focused on other parts of the bike, including the chain, drive-train, metal handlebars, and the frame, removing any remaining rust or buildup. Faulty components—such as torn handlebars, broken reflectors, damaged pedals, ripped seats, and faulty brakes—were cleaned or replaced to ensure safety and usability.
By the end of the session, the team successfully restored four bikes to near-pristine condition. These bikes will be donated to veterans, refugees, and low-income families in need of reliable transportation.
This event continues AYLUS Bellaire’s strong partnership with Freewheels Houston. To date, the branch has contributed 38.5 volunteer hours and helped repair 64 used bikes for community use.
Volunteers (3 hours each): Justin Wang, Vincent Qu, David Li, Edward Cai, and Jin Zhou
Reported by: Justin Wang & Edward Cai
