Beyond the Bike: Ed Ewing's Journey of Community and Empowerment
Ed Ewing's passion for biking began in his childhood, with family outings around the lakes in Minneapolis. These experiences fostered a love for cycling and a mechanical aptitude, as well as a sense of freedom and empowerment. He recalls learning to balance on his first bike and discovering the ability to process his thoughts while riding. His parents supported his interests, which led him to explore bike racing and eventually a career in nonprofit bike work.
Ewing's career journey included joining Cascade Bicycle Club, where he created the Major Taylor Project, an initiative aimed at engaging youth of color in Seattle. This program significantly impacted the organization, leading to Ewing becoming the Director of Diversity and Inclusion. His work involved diversifying staff, membership, and programming, and embedding the organization within Seattle's communities. His collaborations with Bike Works over the years paved the way for his role as Executive Director.
The opportunity to lead Bike Works arose in 2020, during the pandemic and the aftermath of George Floyd's murder, which deeply affected Ewing due to his Minneapolis roots. This period presented a unique challenge and opportunity to center racial equity in the organization's work. Bike Works, focused on social justice through affordable transportation, continued to pursue its mission under Ewing's leadership. The organization reinforced its commitment to racial equity. Bike Works is also hosting its annual fundraiser, "Bike Site," on Sunday, April 27th at Soto Park. This event supports their vital work in the community and offers opportunities for engagement and support.
Under Ewing's leadership, Bike Works has prioritized internal culture, focusing on creating a supportive environment for Black individuals and Black women. The organization has engaged in conversations about anti-Blackness and developed systems to address it. Partnerships with like-minded organizations have been strengthened, and the leadership team at Bike Works is intentionally diverse, reflecting the organization's commitment to racial equity in all aspects of its work.