Lynette Wood transforms bikes for East Texas community

From inside her home, Wood is helping people hop back on the road, one pedal at a time.

LINDALE, Texas — She’s known around East Texas as “The Bike Lady,” and for good reason — Lynette Wood is turning old, forgotten bicycles into a lifeline for people in need.

From inside her Lindale home, Wood is helping people hop back on the road, one pedal at a time. She got her start at a local bike shop, patching flat tires and straightening out wheels.

“I donate these bikes and my time and many of the costs are out of my out of my pocket and out of my generosity,” Wood said.

“The Bike Lady” isn’t her only moniker. She’s also been known as the “Fix-a-Flat Girl” and “Wheel Girl.”

Now, Wood volunteers alongside the Tyler Street team to help those without a home, by donating bikes and providing free repairs for those who need them most.

“It is their mobility. It is their primary mode of transportation for many of my clients,” Wood said. “So I do try to make sure I keep them up and running.”

Her Bike Barn, as she calls it, looks more like a bike graveyard — dozens of bikes covered in dust, some that haven’t seen a ride in years. But for her, it’s about more than just turning wrenches: it’s about creating community.

“Whether you do it for fun or fitness or as your primary mode of transportation or commuting, it’s really about being included as part of that community,” Wood said.

“And for me, that does include these clients who may be houseless, they’re still cyclists,” she added.

To Wood, every bike has a story. Her goal is to help create new ones. She often asks her clients what their first bike was.

“And sometimes people think about that, and they and they get the smile on their face,” she said.

Right now, Wood is working on four bikes in her queue, all set to be finished by the end of the week and delivered to their new owners.

“They’re just so excited. It’s like Christmas,” Wood said.

While the work can sometimes be tedious, she said it always warms her heart to give back.

“It’s a labor of love,” Wood said. “It is a hobby. I think even if I didn’t do these, this for these clients, I would do it for fun.”

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