Indego recently wrapped up its fifth cohort of Wheels to Work, a free workforce development program that blends bicycle education with virtual classes designed to help participants build new skills and grow their professional networks.

Curious to hear what the experience was like? Read on for an inside look at the program, plus reflections from the instructor and a few participants.

“Wheels to Work is a dynamic and evolving program that blends bicycle safety with professional development. It originally started as a digital skills initiative focused solely on urban cycling safety,” says Bria Spivey-Lockley, Wheels to Work program instructor. “Over time, participants voiced a need for broader support, particularly around job readiness, and the program expanded in response.”

Each week of the course includes two key components: a bike safety lesson and a workforce development lesson, both designed to build on the previous week’s content. Participants also have access to 1-on-1 sessions for personalized support.

For this cohort, guest speakers were invited to engage with the class, each offering a unique perspective and set of tools to help participants prepare for the workforce. Annette Mattei from the Free Library of Philadelphia shared career resources available through the library system, Persephone Ulysses from Career Wardrobe guided participants on how to dress for success in preparation for interviews, and Rachel Trippett from PM Hotel Group led a practical session on resume writing and professional development.

A team of Bike Educators from the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia (BCGP) teaches participants about bike laws and urban riding. Toward the end of the program, BCGP leads a group ride, giving participants the chance to put their new skills into practice in a real-world setting.

“Last summer I was hit by a car while biking to work, broke my foot, and lost that sense of safety and connection,” says Janine Kampen, a Wheels to Work participant who also works at the Free Library of Philadelphia.

“This program reconnected me to Philadelphia’s biking community and introduced me to career resources that have strengthened my professional network. I’m back on the road and more connected to this city than ever, and I’m so grateful for the program.”

Miguel, a 25-year-old, hoping to secure a meaningful position in the recovery and community outreach field, shared that his expectations were modest when he first signed up. “The Wheels to Work program, especially the resources from the Free Library and the LinkedIn session, was incredibly valuable,” he says. “It helped me to refine my professional brand and focus my job search efforts. I’m actively applying the skills I learned to network effectively and present myself professionally as I pursue opportunities where I can contribute and grow.”

While Miguel was already fairly comfortable on a bike, often choosing to ride when it was more convenient than public transit, he still found the cycling instruction impactful.

“I wouldn’t have considered myself a beginner, but I was surprised by how much more I learned. Understanding Philly’s specific bicycle laws was a significant takeaway. That has made me more aware and confident riding around the city.”

The program wrapped up in early May with a graduation ceremony to celebrate the hard work and growth of every participant. Program instructor Bria Spivey-Lockley recognizes that access to mobility can be a powerful tool for economic advancement.

“It’s not just about how to safely ride a bike in the city, it’s about how to confidently navigate your career path,” says Bria. “Programs like this may be small, but they are mighty. And with this year’s cohort being one of our largest yet, I truly believe we’re just getting started. I can see models like Wheels to Work expanding nationally as more people recognize the power of combining physical mobility with economic empowerment.”

Keep your eyes out for the next cohort of Indego’s Wheels to Work, rolling out next spring. Whether you’re looking to build skills, expand your network, or just feel more confident on two wheels, this program could be your next big step.