Walt's Cycle: Bike-Friendly Business of the Month

In the heart of Sunnyvale sits Walt’s Cycle, a mom-and-pop shop that has been part of the community for over 70 years. Family-owned and locally loved, Walt’s is more than just a place to buy or repair a bike. It’s a trusted space for everyday riders and a reminder of how small businesses help keep our streets connected and thriving.

Walt’s Cycle has always believed in supporting the people who ride in Sunnyvale. The city’s strong bike culture makes it a natural fit for a community-focused bike shop. For the family who runs it, being a resource for local cyclists just makes sense.

The shop first opened in 1953 as a small business repairing both bikes and lawn mowers. Over time, it shifted entirely to bicycles. Katie Scripotch, who helps run the shop today alongside her mother, explains that her grandfather purchased the business in 1989. It has stayed in the family ever since, with each generation keeping the doors open and the wheels turning.

Like many bike shops across the country, Walt’s saw a jump in business during the early days of the pandemic. People were looking for ways to stay active outdoors, and biking quickly became a favorite. That renewed interest helped the shop grow, and the demand has remained steady. Tech companies in the area offering commuting incentives have also encouraged more people to get on bikes.

While Walt’s may not host big events or corporate-sponsored rides, it supports the community in steady, meaningful ways. One example is its partnership with Fremont High School. Through this program, students get hands-on experience working in the shop and learning about small business operations. It’s a chance for local youth to grow their skills and see the value of hard work in a close-knit environment.

Many customers know Walt’s not just by name, but by face. One of the shop’s longtime mechanics has been there for over 20 years, building relationships and helping generations of Sunnyvale families. That sense of familiarity and trust is part of what makes Walt’s feel like more than just a store.

For other businesses that want to be more welcoming to cyclists, Katie has some simple advice. Make sure there are safe and secure places for people to lock up their bikes. Small gestures like this go a long way. She also encourages everyone in the community to be mindful of bike lanes and to share the streets respectfully, whether walking, driving, or riding.

At a time when many local bike shops are struggling to stay open, Walt’s Cycle stands strong as a reliable, welcoming place for cyclists of all ages and experience levels. Whether you need a quick repair, a first bike for your child, or just a friendly face, Walt’s offers the kind of personal connection you won’t find online.

Next time you are in downtown Sunnyvale, stop by Walt’s Cycle. You will find more than a bike shop. You will find a family-run business that has been riding alongside the community for generations.

Walt's Cycle is at 116 Carroll St., Sunnyvale, at Evelyn Ave. in downtown Sunnyvale.

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About the Author

Rehmah Firoz is an emerging advocate for sustainable transportation and has embraced a car-free lifestyle for the past four years. She holds a degree in City Planning from Georgia Tech and is passionate about creating equitable, accessible, and environmentally conscious urban spaces.