Special Pedals: Idea to reality

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — We first told you about Special Pedals back in December 2015.

Founder Leah Sherrill says a lot of things have changed since the idea first came about when she was a student at UNCW.

Now a full time teacher at Topsail Elementary and entrepreneur, Sherrill has a mobile business employing adults with disabilities. She said the lack of options is why she decided to create the non-profit Special Pedals Inc. bike shop.

“We all want to get a job that matches our wants, needs, and preferences like one that we enjoy, one that we have the skills not just something we have to settle with,” Sherrill said.

The goal is to both train and employ adults with disabilities while also providing college students convenient, low-cost, bicycles or bike repairs.

Every Saturday, Sherrill, several other volunteers and bike mechanics all meet at 130 Hooker Road where they fix and sell donated bikes.

“My favorite part is the experience on Saturdays and seeing all of our mechanics work together and joke around and really show their personalities out here while we are working at the same time,” Sherrill said.

Stephanie Glatt was the one who inspired Sherrill to make a difference when she couldn’t find a job.

“It’s a new experience and I’m always willing to try new things,” Glatt said.

From pumping up or patching a tire to selling a bike, the skills and friendships developed is what has this business pedaling forward.

“I like meeting new people like I met Tyson over the year and we have become like best friends,” Bike mechanic James Meehlings said. “I like this job also because I get paid.”

Sherrill says the plan for the non-profit is just continue to grow and hopefully add more employees on board.