Meet Norte's Chief Bike Mechanic
Traverse City, MI. Tyler Wituszynski recently joined Norte as Chief Bike Mechanic. He will manage all aspects of Norte’s Grand Traverse Regional Kids’ Bike Library and the Community Bike Shop. He will also teach basic bike mechanics in Norte’s youth bike programs and stand-alone classes.
“I’m thrilled to bring my skills to the community to build something with a powerful impact,” said Wituszynski. “Norte connects children and everyone to the community. The programs have helped my family stay active and healthy, so it’s a privilege to be part of the momentum.”
Tyler brings over ten years of bike shop experience to Norte’s Wheelhouse. He worked for McLain’s Cycle and Fitness as a service manager and store manager at Higher Ground Bicycle Co. in Tallahassee, Fla. Most recently, he was a sales associate with Carrier Great Lakes.
The Chief Bike Mechanic is a new position at Norte and results from the continued growth of the nonprofit. Currently, there are 500 bikes in Norte’s library system. Norte loans these bicycles out for use during programs like the after-school Adventure Bike Club, Mountain Bike Team, and Summer Bike Camp. The library is also available for long-term use at home for the youngest riders in the region. Norte has over 1,200 participants a year through the various youth bike programs and Safe Routes to School programs.
“Tyler is not new to Norte,” said Interim Executive Director Jill Sill. “He has been a coach and a volunteer with us and understands the positive impact an adventure-ready bicycle can have on the confidence and joy of a Norte rider, a Norte coach, and those in northern Michigan who borrow a bicycle through our Grand Traverse Regional Bike Library. Tyler will ensure our riders keep rolling.”
To learn more about the services provided, Norte invites the community to visit the Wheelhouse Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, and Wednesdays 10 am– 6 pm. The Wheelhouse, the orange building on the north side of the Grand Traverse County Civic Center, hosts the above services and Norte’s used bike sales. Visitors can reach Wituszynski at 231-883-2471 or via HappyHealthyStrong.org.
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Norte | Happy. Healthy. Strong. Norte is the Traverse City area’s active transportation–centered, youth-focused, neighborhood-based 501c3 advocacy organization. Norte’s mission is to help build stronger, better connected, and more walk/bike-friendly communities by empowering the young and young at heart.
