Old Spokes Home is a 501(c)(3) non-profit bike shop creating access to bikes and the opportunities they provide for our whole community.
We work from 331 N. Winooski Avenue to get everyone, regardless of income, on a bike.
• We make bikes affordable so people can get to their jobs efficiently and conveniently.
• We give kids bikes so they can grow up active on two wheels.
• We teach youth to fix bikes at home and in their communities so they feel empowered.
• We train new mechanics so opportunities to build critical job skills are available to those that want them.
We believe bikes are a simple solution to complex problems. Bikes connect people to their community, to their own bodies, to their physical environments. Bikes heal. Bikes empower. Bikes mobilize.
WHY WE DO IT
We believe bikes are a simple solution to complex problems. Bikes connect people to their community, to their own bodies, to their physical environments. Bikes heal. Bikes empower. Bikes mobilize.
OUR AREAS OF WORK
Transportation Access
Our Everybody Bikes program lowers barriers to transportation by making bikes and bike repair affordable for income-eligible Vermonters. Thousands of Vermonters have accessed bicycles through this program since 2005.
The Everybody Bikes program helps Vermonters who:
- Can't afford a car get to work.
- Struggle with addiction access recovery support.
- Get to classes at community college.
- Explore the world outside affordably and easily.
- Have recently emigrated and aren't eligible to drive a car.
We work hard to make sure that EVERYONE, regardless of income or ability, has a chance to get on a bike.
Job Training
Learning bike mechanics and participating in shop operations provide valuable work experience to those who want it. We work closely with Spectrum, local school districts, and others to create custom work experiences for youth through our Youth Mechanics programs. A great summer employment opportunity for high school students is with our bicycle mobile repair unit that travels to neighborhoods around Burlington and Winooski - see video below!
Youth Empowerment
Old Spokes Home is a third space and source of community and empowerment for young people through Youth Shop and our Youth Mechanics programs. Through our Kids Bike Bonanzas we provide hundreds of children ages 3 through 8 with bikes and helmets at no cost to their families.
Our 990 is available upon request.