Our History
More than ten years ago, Project Bike Tech got its start at the Bicycle Trip bike shop in Santa Cruz, California. Bike Trip Co-owner Berri Michel worked with a team from the shop to build the grassroots program from the ground up.
Project Bike Tech got its start at the Bicycle Trip bike shop in Santa Cruz, California.
Founded in 2008
“We envisioned it being similar to how the auto industry spearheaded the creation of high school auto shop programs back in the 1930’s,” Berri said, “So we set out to create new generations passionate and knowledgeable about bikes. And it’s such a fun way to learn!”The original curriculum was created to give students a base in bicycle mechanics. Additional modules where then introduced to encompass real world job preparation training including resume writing, interview techniques, inventory management, POS systems, sales and team working skills.
The PBT program is now thriving throughout California and is spreading nationwide. Over the years, PBT has successfully introduced more than 3000 students to the bicycle industry as a career pathway. Whether graduates directly enter the workforce or continue on to college, they become lifelong supporters of the bicycle community.