Bicycles For All - What's Stopping You?

Bicycles For All - What's Stopping You?

It's not news that Dayton has really become a bicycle friendly city with all the new and revamped bike paths, added bike lanes on the roads, and bike parking facilities. And to those who haven't taken advantage, ask yourself, "What's stopping you?" Don't own a bike, your current bike isn't working right, you're afraid to ride alone? Well Bicycles For All is here to help!

Bicycles For All (BFA) is a nonprofit bicycle cooperative completely run by volunteers. Steve Mays and Nathan Utz started BFA to promote bike riding by addressing some of the obstacles that keep people from biking more often after they read an article in Times Magazine in 2011 about a bicycle co-op and thought the Dayton community could really use this! Co-founder Steve Mays says, "Many people don't ride bikes because they cannot afford a new bike, have a flat tire and don't know how to fix it, or are just afraid to ride in the street or maybe they don't like to ride alone. This is where the co-op can help."

BFA sells used bikes, parts and accessories donated by citizens throughout the community. They teach classes on simple bike maintenance, traffic safety, proper fit for comfort, commuting, and other bicycle basics. They even have a lounge area for riders to come hangout and talk about bike riding. They are much different than a traditional bike shop because they don't sell new parts, don't do complete bike overhauls, or wheel building. They offer a place for someone to feel good about donating used bikes and bike parts and encourage people to stand and help them fix their bikes so they can learn and educate on bike maintenance. The local shops in the area have been very supportive with Bicycles for All and they support them in return by buying parts locally instead of online and recommending them for professional repairs and new bikes.

Their revenue all comes from used and refurbished bicycles and parts sales, memberships, fees for classes, and donations. It all goes to paying rent, insurance, new tools, parts, and supplies. They get all kinds of bikes donated from children's bikes, BMX, mountain bikes and 10 speed retro road bikes. 

Many people also donate spare parts, clothing, and accessories like bags, baskets, and pumps. They offer something for every age and type of rider so if you're needing help getting into mountain biking, BMX, or needing help getting into recreational bike riding, Bicycles For All can definitely help! Their volunteers lead group rides to foster new friendships in the community while improving riders' safety habits and confidence on the streets and trails.

Bicycles For All is at 5549 Bigger Road in Kettering and is open Wednesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm and Sundays 2:00pm to 6:00pm. They accept donations during these hours or by appointment. Reach them at www.bicyclesforall.net, info@bicyclesforall.net or 937-985-2004.

Links & Tags

Bicycles For All.

Bicycles For All - Bicycles For All is a nonprofit volunteer organization whose mission is to provide resources to the community that promote bicycling for transportation, recreation and sport.