[Reprinted from the August 13, 2018 Press Release from Cycles of Change]
The Bikery, a community bike shop run by longtime nonprofit collective Cycles of Change, was burglarized in the early morning hours of August 12th. 35 bikes were stolen, as well as bike parts and the cash register till, totalling a loss of approximately $20,000. The longtime neighborhood fixture is asking for community support to help them get back on their feet. Please donate at www.cyclesofchange.org/donate.
Cycles of Change (www.cyclesofchange.org) works to improve the health and sustainability of East Bay neighborhoods by increasing the use of bicycles as transportation, connecting youth with the extraordinary living systems of our local area, and building a diverse community of visionary young leaders. The Bikery has been in operation in the San Antonio district for over 9 years, with a commitment to making bikes accessible to everybody, being a more affordable resource for community members east of Lake Merritt.
This loss is devastating. The Bikery is a full service bike shop run by a collective of Oakland educators of color, many of whom live in the neighborhood, and have participated in Cycles of Change bike programs as youth. They depend on income from selling bikes to pay all staff a living wage, as well as run the shop and multiple programs that support people in the community.
These programs include:
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Youth Earn-A-Bike – free mechanics classes and bikes for youth
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Bike Club – after school bike program teaching safe riding and going on adventures in nature
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Upcycle – safe commuting classes that supplies a free bike, lock, lights, and helmet for low-income adults in need of low cost, reliable transportation
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Youth Mechanic Internships – positions in our shop that provide high school credits for local students, often leading to employment in the organization
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Community Stands – free loaner tools and repair stands for anyone to work on their bikes
In previous years, The Bikery was supported through grants that helped operate these community programs, but grant funding is winding down, making bike sales even more crucial for survival.
Our Ask
Cycles of Change is looking for support to rebuild the fleet of bikes that were stolen, and recover from the loss. We’re gratefully accepting donations of complete, working and almost-working bicycles and usable bike parts. All donations are tax-deductible.
You can make a one-time donation at https://www.cyclesofchange.
For inquiries, please contact: eugene@cyclesofchange.org or phoenix@cyclesofchange.org