Wheeling Wild at Sedgwick County Zoo

Bike Walk Wichita (BWW) had a great time participating in the Wheeling Wild at the Sedgwick County Zoo (SCZ), connecting with families and young riders for a bike rides centered on bikes, outdoor activity, and animal conservation.

What is Wheeling Wild? Wheeling Wild takes a group of up to 20 riders on a leisurely bike ride on the trail around the Zoo. The ride events have bikers of all ages and experience levels. Basically anyone could sign up online as long as you brought your bicycle. It’s a great opportunity for family biking.

Every Wheeling Wild has a different topic that it focuses on. This provides a stopping point for riders where they can catch their breath, drink some water, and learn about the animals that call the Sedgwick County Zoo home.

ReCycle volunteer bike mechanic Jerry explains,

"This is a great opportunity to show families that there are cycling events that don't involve high speeds, long distances, lycra, and racing. I get to see children leading their parents around the zoo and riding carefree like I was able to as a kid. That is a freedom that they don't feel as often as they should. At the same time, the event is behind the scenes and educational. People can learn about bikes and animals."

SCZ implemented Wheeling Wild over a decade ago. Bicycle X-Change provided some of their first bicycles. Program Educator Catherine Calderwood has been leading Wheeling Wilds for nearly a decade “It’s another unique way to see and interact with the Zoo,” Calderwood said. “It’s a great way to get some exercise, but also just to see things at a new time of day in a new way.”

In 2026, Bike Walk Wichita partnered with SCZ to assist. BWW's role provided bicycle mechanics on hand during the rides, who carry tools, and are ready to assist any of the riders in case of bicycle malfunctions anytime during the ride. Additionally, the BWW volunteers would ride in the back of the group to ensure no one is left behind. The ride is slow and leisurely, but the zoo pathways can be integrate and go many directions.

BWW volunteer mechanics were involved in a total of 7 rides, from April to October. Approximately 250 participants rode Wheeling Wild total in 2026.

When asked about what did you enjoy most about participating in the SCZ ride events, Jerry expounds, "Most people will never get a chance to experience the zoo after hours and go behind the scenes. Watching the kids excitement to see what's next and sharing the facts they know about animals is pretty fun. It's also just a very relaxing event. I can actually feel myself calm down as I go in. There's no traffic to worry about, we're not racing against a clock, and we have the whole place to ourselves."

Thank you to all those who volunteered with Bike Walk Wichita and ReCycle for the Wheeling Wild. We look forward to this again next year!