The month of May is Bike Month in Napa County and across the Bay Area.

Each year, the Napa County Bicycle Coalition honors one or two individuals as Bike Champion of the Year for their dedication to riding a bike for everyday transportation and/or inspiring others to take on life on two wheels. This year, we honor St. Helena resident, Charles Mickey Wagner, as our Bike Champion.

We hope that our newest Bike Champion inspires you as much as he’s inspired us!

Charles Mickey Wagner

 “Mickey’s commitment to safety and his inclusive, friendly attitude set him apart as someone who embodies the true spirit of biking—enjoyment, respect, and community.” –Nominator Lisa Empting 

When highlighting the attributes that make Charles Mickey Wagner a Bike Champion, one of his nominators described Mickey’s “consistent dedication, positive impact, and inspiring example to others.” At just 17 years old, Mickey has become a well-recognized fixture in his community – so much so, that both of his nominees shared that if you live in St. Helena, you know Mickey and his love for biking.  

Mickey is demonstrably dedicated to riding a bike. Whether for transportation to school, athletics, or church; for running errands like going to the grocery store; or just for fun with friends and family, Mickey rides his bike every day. He has been riding a bike for longer than he can remember, reminiscing that his first memory of riding a bike was on a three-wheel tricycle in his backyard. These days, Mickey has a variety of bikes, including a city bike with a trailer he made himself, a tandem, a cargo bike, and mountain bikes. The latter he uses to deliver eggs and honey to fellow community members throughout town with a zip tie-secured basket. And he is more than a fair-weather friend to his bike – he even enjoys riding when it’s raining, staying dry with a raincoat and rain pants. He recommends riding slower, using caution, and using bike lights throughout the day when riding in the rain. “I feel so good riding my bike,” Mickey says. “It gives me energy and makes me feel happy.”  

Through his love for biking, Mickey gives back to the community by helping others to go by bike. He shares his bikes with others and encourages them to ride. He donates bikes to his school and younger kids. He repairs bikes at the bike shop at his school and at the local Farmer’s Market over the summer, and enjoys teaching kids how to ride a bike, including his younger brother. Helping others learn to ride reminds him of those who helped him learn in the past. “Biking is good exercise, and it is so fun,” Mickey responded when asked what inspires him to give back to the bicycling community, “I want everyone to be happy and go places on bikes.”  

Mickey inspires others in his community through his kind character and resilience. Mickey is deaf and wears cochlear implants, but he does not let that stop him from riding with confidence and inclusivity. He models responsible cycling to his peers by obeying traffic laws, always wearing a helmet, and encouraging safe biking practices. His nominators highlighted his friendly and helpful attitude, sharing that he is “always looking out for other kids on the road,” smiling, saying hello, and stopping to offer help when he sees a need. Teamwork, looking out for others, and kindness are practices Mickey also attributes to his time riding with the local mountain bike team, the St. Helena Thunderbirds. 

Mickey’s advice for new riders reflects his characteristically responsible approach to biking: “Be careful, watch out for cars, ALWAYS wear a helmet. Take a water bottle, have lights on your bike for at night and a mirror. Follow the rules.”