Business Details
19 Years
experience
Your Community Bike Garage in Columbus, IN
We are Columbus, Indiana's only not-for-profit community bike garage dedicated to making bicycling accessible and sustainable for all residents. Our volunteer-driven organization provides affordable bike solutions through used bike sales, a fully equipped workshop for DIY repairs, and educational support from knowledgeable staff. We accept bike donations in any condition and offer tools, parts, and guidance to help individuals maintain their bicycles independently. Since our founding in 2007, we've grown from a small garage to a spacious facility in the United Way building, achieving 501(c)(3) status in 2014 through community support.Our Earn-a-Bike program empowers individuals to gain mechanical skills while earning a bicycle through volunteer hours. We maintain a diverse inventory of road bikes, cruisers, mountain bikes, kids' bikes, and frames for customization. Our mission remains focused on connecting people with bicycles through education, affordability, and community engagement. We operate transparently with regular updates on events and programs through our mailing list.
Services
Used Bike Sales
Earn-a-Bike Program
Kids Bike Sales
Bike Repairs
Volunteer Opportunities
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We provide affordable used bikes for all ages and skill levels
- Our workshop offers DIY repair tools and expert guidance
- Earn-a-Bike program teaches mechanical skills through volunteer work
- Community-driven model supported by local volunteers since 2007
- Diverse inventory includes road bikes, mountain bikes, and kids' bikes
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3)
Services
Used Bike Sales
We offer a wide selection of donated used bicycles including road bikes, mountain bikes, cruisers, hybrids, and kids' bikes. All bikes are categorized by condition with options for immediate use or customization. Our inventory changes regularly to provide diverse choices for every rider.
Earn-a-Bike Program
This program allows participants to earn a bicycle through 5 hours of volunteer work. No mechanical experience required - tasks match individual capabilities while teaching basic bike maintenance skills. Participants complete safety checks before riding their newly acquired bikes.
Bike Repairs
Our fully equipped workshop provides tools, parts, and expert guidance for self-service bike repairs. Staff assist with safety checks and technical advice while customers perform their own maintenance. No pre-scheduled appointments needed during open hours.
Bike Donations
We accept bicycle donations in any condition to support our mission. Donated bikes become part of our sales inventory or repair program. This community-driven approach helps redistribute cycling resources while promoting environmental sustainability through equipment reuse.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer positions focus on bike maintenance, shop organization, and program support. Participants gain mechanical knowledge while contributing to our mission. No prior experience needed - training provided through hands-on involvement with experienced staff members.
Questions
What are your current operating hours?
We're open Sundays 2-5 PM and Tuesdays 5-8 PM. The shop is closed on major holidays and located in the United Way building basement.
How can I donate a bicycle?
Bike donations are accepted at our facility during open hours. We welcome bikes in any condition to support our mission of making cycling accessible for all community members.
Do you offer professional bike repair services?
We provide tools, parts, and guidance for DIY repairs. Our staff assists with technical advice and safety checks, but does not perform repairs for customers.
What is the Earn-a-Bike program?
This program lets you earn a bicycle through 5 hours of volunteer work. Tasks require no mechanical skills while teaching basic bike maintenance during your participation.
Are kids' bikes available?
Yes! We offer kids' bikes (20" wheels or smaller) for $15, with $5 discounts available when trading in another children's bike.
Where is your location?
Our shop is in the basement of the United Way Building at 1531 13th Street, Columbus, IN. Look for the brick Doug Otto Center building across from Sans Souci.