Working Bikes

Working Bikes rescues discarded bicycles and gives them new life by redistributing them as tools of empowerment in local and global communities.

Countless bicycles are discarded or sit unused in garages in the United States every year. But in a developing country, a bicycle can truly change the life of an individual, their family, and their community. Bicycling is, of course, a form of transportation. But bicycles are also used for towing cargo, and even as a source of electricity through the creation of pedal-powered machines. In areas plagued by poverty, high levels of unemployment and lack of reliable, accessible transportation, a bicycle can help provide access to jobs, education, medical attention, and other resources.

Global Impact:  Working Bikes ships thousands of bicycles each year to our partners in countries throughout Latin America and Africa, including El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, Nicaragua, Uganda, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Ghana.

Local Impact:  Working Bikes donates to individuals and partner organizations here in Chicago, providing transportation to people in homeless transition, refugee resettlement, and youth empowerment programs in our own community.

Working Bikes donates over 6,000 bicycles each year to their international and local partners.

Ways that you can get involved include:

• Fixing bikes at the warehouse
• Helping pack a container at a shipping party
• Representing Working Bikes at regional events
• Assisting in the storefront
• Becoming a year-round drop off location
• Hosting a fundraising event
• Serving on a Committee

Visit their website to learn more.

Volunteer Opportunities: Click here for more information.