Shipping bicycles internationally

Ever wonder how to load 500 bicycles in a shipping container? Every few weeks, volunteers at Working Bikes load a container. These Shipping Parties are announced on our list server and volunteers efficiently load a container in just a few short hours. Want to help out at one of these parties? Join the listserver at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WorkingBikes where you will see the announcment and just show up. No experience necessary. Yes it really is a party, pizza or other food is served and there is great joy at each event.

Bikes for Sale

The Working Bikes Store is open 14 hours a week: Wednesday from 12 noon to 7PM and Saturday from 10AM to 5PM. There is a continually changing set of bikes available for purchase. The excellent bike mechanics at Working Bikes, led by Aaron Brown (lead mechanic) select bikes from those collected appropriate for sale and get them ride-ready for sale. The bikes sold in the store raise needed funds and directly support the shipment of bikes to people in need in developing nations around the world.

Bike Drives

Many of the bicycles collected by Working Bikes Cooperative are the result of people in the community running a bike drive. Look around town and you will see the one of the Working Bikes banners proudly posted at one of these events. At the end of each April, the Arlington Heights Bike Club runs a community bike swap where people can buy and sell used bicycles. Each year AHBC supports Working Bikes and provides a way for the community to easily donate a bike to Working Bikes. Mike Roeser, Board Member and long time volunteer at Working Bikes explains the mission of Working Bikes to those who stop by the banner. Consider running a bike drive for Working Bikes at your School, Business, House of Worship, Youth program, or at your home. Check out the website at www.workingbikes.org for organizational materials.

Catholic Charities

Working Bikes Cooperative improves the lives of refugees settling in Chicago.

Working with the Refugee Program at Catholic Charities, newly arrived refugees are matched with bicycles soon after arrival in Chicago. This refugee program includes all aspects of settling oneself in a new culture. Refugees often use their newly acquired bicycles as transportation to jobs.

Working Bikes stives to improve the lives of people around the Chicago metropolitan area by working with partners such as Catholic Charities.