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Working Bikes nonprofit bike shop celebrates its 25th anniversary with a block party this Saturday, October 5
This Saturday, October 5th, Working Bikes, a nonprofit founded by Lee Ravenscroft and Amy Little in 1999, celebrates its 25th anniversary. The group is dedicated to providing bicycles to anyone that needs them, whether it be right here in Chicago or across the globe. Working Bikes has grown exponentially since its foundation, with many volunteers, staff, partners, and supporters. Ahead of the anniversary party, Streetsblog asked Ravenscroft and Little how they feel about this milestone.
October 2, 2024
Advocates provide bikes to migrants, request help from CDOT to meet growing demand
Donation organizers say unless funds are freed up from a larger entity, bike distribution to asylum seekers is going to stay in crisis mode indefinitely.
October 1, 2023
A wrench in the works: How are Chicago’s nonprofit bike shops coping with COVID headwinds?
Like all retail operations, these shops have faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic due to health concerns, labor shortages, and supply chain issues.
November 8, 2022
¿Cómo llegan las bicicletas de Chicago al otro lado del mundo?
La directora de la Escuela de Enfermería de Bwindi habló sobre cómo las bicicletas donadas por la tienda comunitaria Working Bikes de Chicago ayudan a empoderar a las mujeres jóvenes en el suroeste de Uganda.
May 24, 2022
How do bicycles from Chicago’s Working Bikes community shop end up across the world?
The director of Bwindi Nursing School discussed how bicycles donated by Chicago’s Working Bikes community shop help empower young women in southwest Uganda.
May 24, 2022
Bent wheels, slashed tires: Many bikes seized by CPD were badly damaged
In many cases the cycles confiscated during protests have been handed over with severe -- and apparently intentional -- damage.
September 16, 2020
How community bike shops are coping in a COVID-19 world
While business as usual is on hold for nonprofit community bike shops, they are adapting and changing their services to address their missions in this times of crisis.
July 14, 2020
CDOT Presented Awards to Advocates at Today’s Soggy, Fun Bike to Work Rally
This morning’s dismal weather didn’t seem to dampen people’s spirits at the annual Bike to Work Rally, the traditional kickoff for Chicago's Bike Week. The highlight of the event was a rain-soaked live rendition of youth education center Blackstone Bicycle Works’ awesome new Rhymefest-produced safety video “Stay in Your Lane,” featuring kids holding up colorful cardboard cutouts of bike wheels and cycles. Check out a video of the performance here, shot by the Active Transportation Alliance's Melody Geraci.
June 16, 2017
Cycle of Peace Event Will Bring 500 Bikes to Kids in North Lawndale
Two years ago the TAG Foundation and Working Bikes joined forces to stage the Bronzeville Bike Builder, distributing 500 refurbished bicycles to local families. Kids 12 and under were invited to come learn bike safety skills and leave with a free cycle.
June 25, 2016
Bronzeville Bike Giveaway Aims to Launch a New Youth Bike Culture
“I thought to myself, what if we could get 500 bicycles on the streets of Bronzeville?” said community activist Angela Ford, discussing the eureka moment that led her to organize this Saturday’s bike giveaway at Wendell Phillips High. “That would help instantly create a culture of cycling.”
May 20, 2014