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Passes our checks

Second Cycle Community Bicycle Shop

EIN 45-2637950 · Tacoma, WA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair68 out of 100GovernanceStrong91 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To demystify and normalize bike riding as a part of daily life and realize the bicycle as a tool of personal and community empowerment.

Income
$599,418
Spending
$598,510
Spent on programs
80%
Reserves
1.7 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 60%
Employees
17
Volunteers
65
Highest pay
$75,050, executive dir.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 68 out of 100. Higher than 31% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 1.7 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 16% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    12 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 0% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 17% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    80% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 91 out of 100. Higher than 91% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    5 of 5 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (1)
  1. $478,843 spent. 2nd Cycle Programming Information OUR VISION: A world where the joy of bike riding is accessible to everybody. OUR MISSION: To demystify and normalize bike riding as a part of daily life, and realize the bicycle as a tool for personal and community empowerment. Bicycle Services Our organization fulfills its mission by offering the community affordable bikes, parts, and services. In our unique bike shop, we provide services not found elsewhere in our community and sell approximately 500 used bikes each year. Pedal It Forward In 2024, 2nd Cycle performed critical transportation-focused bike repairs, including 304 donated repairs to keep community members rolling safely. In keeping with 2nd Cycle?s mission, we provide free or low-cost bike repairs to needy individuals, helping keep our community moving safely regardless of financial circumstances. Pedal For The People Our bike gifting program, "Pedals For the People," gave away functioning bicycles to individuals who rely on cycling for essential transportation. We are proud of our work in distributing bikes to community members who rely on them for crucial transit but cannot afford one. Youth Programs Just Riding Around (JRA): A Teen Destination-Riding Program Just Riding Around (JRA) is a destination-based youth cycling program developed in partnership between 2nd Cycle, Cascade Bicycle Club, and WSDOT. Designed to build confidence and independence through active transportation, JRA teaches students how to navigate urban environments by bike. Through guided rides across Tacoma, teens explore local neighborhoods, parks, and community landmarks while developing critical on-bike skills. The program emphasizes safe riding habits, route planning, and real-world experience using the city?s growing bike infrastructure. Participants who complete the program earn a bicycle, a new lock, lights, and a flat repair kit, equipping them with the tools they need to continue riding beyond the program and become everyday riders, advocates, and community leaders. Classroom Support & Fleet Maintenance for the Let?s Go Statewide Program (Tacoma Public School) 2nd Cycle partners with Tacoma Public Schools and surrounding districts to deliver hands-on classroom support and comprehensive fleet maintenance for the statewide ?Let?s Go? bicycle education program. Our team works directly with educators and students, providing in-class instruction focused on bike safety, riding skills, and active transportation. This embedded support ensures every classroom receives expert guidance tailored to its unique needs, helping students build the confidence and knowledge to become lifelong riders. Beyond the classroom, we manage maintenance for school bike fleets, keeping equipment safe, functional, and ready for student use. By reducing downtime and streamlining logistics, we make it easier for schools to deliver high-quality programming that reaches more youth. This work reflects our commitment to empowering students through cycling and advancing equitable access to bike education across the state. Safe Routes to School Youth & Community Bicycle Educator: We are contracted to support Tacoma's youth and families through engaging bike education programs, including urban skills camps, school-based bike rodeos, family rides, and Earn-a-Bike courses. The program prioritizes underserved communities and empowers participants with cycling skills, safety knowledge, and confidence to safely navigate streets, fostering a healthier, more connected community. Earn-A-Bike (EAB) The Earn-A-Bike program is one of our longest-running and most impactful initiatives. Over six weeks, youth participants delve into the mechanics of bicycles, learning to repair and maintain various systems. In the first session, students pick their bikes, learn bike anatomy, and master flat tire repair. As the program progresses, they gain hands-on experience working on their bikes, culminating in a celebratory ride on their newly refurbished steeds. Graduates leave with a bike, equipment, and an open invitation to join our group rides and continue honing their skills in our community space. Summer Camps For Younger Riders: Our summer camps for younger participants focus on foundational riding skills, games, and off-bike activities like arts and crafts. Campers explore sustainable transportation through field trips on Tacoma?s T-Line. The week ends with a joyful Bike Parade, where campers showcase their progress and newfound confidence to family and friends. For Experienced Riders: For older or more experienced youth, our camps emphasize adventure and exploration. After an initial session of drills and road safety basics, participants actively plan routes to explore Tacoma by bike. Along the way, they engage with local organizations and community partners, broadening their perspectives on how cycling connects people and places. Each day is a unique journey, offering new sights, sounds, and stories. Youth Court Diversion Program Our Youth Court Diversion Program offers a constructive alternative for youth in the criminal justice system. Partnering with Pierce County Juvenile Courts, the program mirrors the Earn-A-Bike curriculum, guiding participants through restoring a bike while learning critical skills. This initiative promotes positive youth development and provides a safe, supportive environment that reduces future contact with the justice system. Participants leave with a bike and a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Internship Programs Through partnerships with Jobs 253, Next Move, and Pierce County?s EET, our internship programs offer young people hands-on experience in bicycle mechanics, shop operations, and community engagement. Interns develop valuable skills while contributing to our mission and preparing for future careers in various fields. Community Programs Bike Month Events Each May, we host 3-4 community events to celebrate National Bike Month, encouraging Tacoma residents to ride, connect, and

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since December 2013.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.