ReCycle Bikes is a volunteer-driven program in North Bay coordinated by Discovery Routes. The Program accepts used bicycle donations and refurbishes them. Discovery Routes works with a number of social services organizations in the community to help give the refurbished bikes to individuals in need in our community. Since 2015, Discovery Routes and community volunteers have refurbished and redistributed 861 bicycles!
Cash donations help cover some of the program expenses such as bike bells and new parts when needed. Help us keep the program rolling.
The original aim of the ReCycle Bikes Program was to provide opportunities for more people to get out and enjoy the incredible network of trails in and around North Bay. But the benefits far exceed the original intent of the program. Here are just a few of the impacts …
- Provides access to individuals that may have limited transportation options to get to school and/or work
- Gets unused bikes out of the garage and back on the trail
- Fosters a healthy and active community and builds a local culture of cycling
- More bikes on the trails and streets builds demand for more safe cycling infrastructure
- Provides opportunities for volunteers to learn bicycle repair skills
- Provides opportunities for youth to participate in local bicycle programs
- Bikes that can’t be made roadworthy are salvaged for scrap diverting waste from the landfill
Our Impact Since 2015
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| 166 Bikes Donated (2022) | 352 Volunteer Hours (2022) | 910 kg Waste Diverted (2022) |
| 861 Bikes Donated (Since 2015) | 1551 Volunteer Hours (Since 2015) | 1710 kg Waste Diverted |
| 598 Bikes Distributed (Since 2015) |
Got a Bike to Donate?
The 2022 ReCycle Bikes program is closed for the season! Thank you to all our volunteers and donors who made this program possible. We typically get the program up and running again in early spring depending on resources and supporting partners. Please consider holding onto your bicycle until that time. If you would like to be notified by email when the program opens in 2023, please email [email protected].
** Not all bikes can be made safe for the road and trails. To help our volunteers maximize the number of bikes we get back to the community, please understand that we are only able to accept bikes that are in fair to excellent condition. To help determine whether your bike is suitable for donation, please consider the following criteria:
- Preferably bike has been stored indoors
- Has a majority of its parts
- Has minimal rust
Charitable receipts will be issued in the amount of $25 for qualifying bicycle donations. Tax receipts are typically sent via email when the program wraps up in early fall. Select bicycles may be sold to continue the support of the program.
If you have any questions about the program or the donation process contact [email protected]
No Bike to Donate, Consider a Cash Donation
The ReCycle Bikes Program depends on the generosity of the community. Many of the donated bicycles require new or refurbished parts such as bells, cables and grips that need to be purchased. Cash donations are greatly appreciated and are used to support program expenses. Charitable receipts will be issued for cash donations of $15 or greater. For cash donations click DONATE
Got Some Time to Learn a New Skill?
This program is sustained by an excellent team of volunteers, if you are interested in volunteering please email [email protected] for more information. No experience required! High school volunteer hours can be earned.
In 2020, Discovery Routes received a gift from Park Tools, a bike tool and equipment manufacturer that supplied the organization with professional bike-specific tool sets. These donated tools are used by volunteer mechanics to tune-up and repair donated bicycles.
Supporting Partners
