6 Local Bike-Centric Organizations To Support

Fixies, roadies, and cruisers—oh my! Here are six bike-related organizations that are doing good in the cycling community and beyond.

Trips for Kids Denver uses bikes to empower Denver’s at-risk and disadvantaged youths through three specialized programs. The Ride Program offers biking trips to the mountains and urban destinations to teach kids lessons in adventure, self-reliance, health, confidence, and environmental awareness. Through the Earn-A-Bike Program, youth ages 10-23 have the opportunity to earn a bike by completing a training course in basic safety and maintenance. And the Youth-at-Work Program gives high school students the chance to acquire internships and work experience at the organization’s full-service bike shop, Lucky Bikes Re-Cyclery. Trips for Kids is always looking for volunteers, and the organization hosts a number of annual events, including their Bicycle Benefit Gala.
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Recycle Bicycles is a local collective that has redistributed more than 22,000 bikes to shelters, housing projects, and school since its inception in 1994. Recycle Bicycles accepts bikes, parts, tools, and accessories—often donated from area bike shops—and is always looking for volunteers to help distribute and tune bikes, as well. Donation items can be dropped off at any area Bicycle Village store, Campus Cycles, or the Extra Space Storage at 1699 S. Broadway.
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Denver Food Rescue utilizes the environmental sustainability of bikes to help lessen edible food waste. The group redistributes food from grocery stores, farmers markets, and distributors to organizations that work directly with food insecure communities. About 75 percent of their deliveries are made via two wheels. The group also joined forces with Denver Urban Gardens and Groundwork Denver to launch the Fresh Food Connect app, which allows home gardeners to donate their extra produce to Denver Food Rescue. Join the group at one of their annual events: Forward Food Summit, Food Rescue Ride, and Gears and Grubs Trivia.
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Bikes Together operates community centers for bicyclists at two locations in Denver—in Park Hill and Mariposa—with more on the way. The organization believes biking can help address wealth and health disparities in our communities. Through the organization, individuals 14 and older can earn a fully refurbished bike, free helmet, lock, and lights by completing bicycle safety and maintenance education programs. The hands-on shops are fully staffed and stocked with tools, and offer set “Fix Your Bike Hours” for anyone who wants to learn how to get your two-wheeler up and rolling. You can also participate in a workshop, sign kids up for a camp, or attend any of their bike-centric events throughout the year.
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Bicycle Colorado is a local nonprofit and advocacy group striving to make Colorado the most bicycle-friendly state in the U.S. The 25-year-old group has a number of current initiatives in progress. From the Colorado Pedals Project (created in partnership with the governor’s office), which advocates for bike lanes and funding for bike-related city and trail improvements, to the organization’s bike schools, which allow community members of all ages to learn how to ride, if you’re interested in improving and enhancing the bicycling community, this is the organization to get involved with. Join them at their annual gala or get involved at their Colorado Bicycle Summit.
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Denver B-Cycle is the city’s shared bicycle system, with more than 700 bicycles located at 84 stations throughout the Denver metro area. The nonprofit’s mission is to provide better access to bikes and enhance citizens’ quality of life through the mobility that a two-wheeler offers. Last year, riders rode 755,000 miles on the red B-Cycle bikes, proof that these bike stations give commuters yet another option to get around, especially when you live in a state with 300-plus days of sun per year.
Learn More | Join