By Eva Carrasquillo-Wilkinson
Erik Johnson first began volunteering with BWorks in 2018. After taking a break for a few years, he returned in the summer of 2025 after noticing that BWorks had started offering classes in his home state, Illinois. While he had previously focused on shop work, getting involved with the classes quickly became his favorite part of volunteering.
Erik says he was originally drawn to BWorks because he wanted to be a part of something bigger than himself. As he explored volunteer opportunities, BWorks stood out by bringing together several of his passions: bikes, computers, and teaching.
Today, Erik primarily volunteers by helping teach classes, where he enjoys working directly with students. Like many other volunteers, he has also gone the extra mile by helping with the buildout of BWorks’ new soon-to-be home at South Grand. Additionally, he’s looking forward to taking on an even larger role as a member of the BWorks board of directors during the next term.
When asked about his favorite memories as a volunteer, he mentioned a particular moment from a class taught in Hartford, Illinois, with Programs Director Evie Hemphill.
“One of the students and her grandparent gave us handwritten notes thanking us for the class and telling us what it meant to her,” Erik said. Moments like these are what make volunteering at BWorks so rewarding.
One of Erik Johnson’s most recent volunteer efforts with BWorks involved co-leading a six-week Earn-A-Bike class headquartered at Hartford Public Library in Illinois. Riding-practice days involved a lot of great trail riding along the MCT Confluence Trail for this Spring 2026 group in addition to neighborhood- and lot-based drills.
Another favorite part of volunteering for Erik happens after the work is done. He enjoys the evenings when volunteers and staff stay after the shop closes to relax, share stories, and get to know one another. Those conversations have allowed him to build meaningful connections with the people who make BWorks such a special community.
Volunteering has also had a significant impact on Erik personally. After spending time working remotely for a large technology company, BWorks provided an outlet that had been missing from his daily life. Working alongside fellow volunteers, connecting with students, and contributing to the organization’s mission has given him a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment.
In recent years, BWorks programs have also reached various Illinois schools, including Lincoln Middle School in Edwardsville, Illinois. Erik (at the far back in this picture) provided critical mechanical support and riding encouragement throughout this six-week series, which was made possible through an ACT (MCT) Community Action Grant.
If Erik could bike anywhere in the world, his first answer is “everywhere.” He hopes to someday ride across the United States and eventually travel to Europe to bike the Camino de Santiago. When it comes time for retirement, he plans to spend even more time embarking on long-distance bike touring adventures.
As Erik looks ahead to serving on BWorks’ board of directors, he’s excited to learn more about the organization and continue supporting its mission in new ways. We’re so thankful for Erik’s dedication and enthusiasm, and we’re excited to see the impact he’ll continue to make as part of the BWorks community!