Program Descriptions

The ReCYCLEry has a number of programs that run year-round and are open to all community members.

Earn-a-Bike

Our Earn-a-bike program allows people to earn their own bikes while learning bike repair and maintenance.  Bring your bike, a friend's bike or work on one of ours. We'll have the tools, stands & mechanics to help you along the way. The time you spend helping with ReCYCLEry projects, such as Mobile Repair Days or KidCycles, earn you parts and tool-time to work on your own projects.

The dividend is that you grow your knowledge of bicycle mechanics, ensure safe rides for yourself and others, and help encourage biking and sustainability in the community.  And did we mention you earn a bicycle too?

KidCycles

Our unique KidCycles program focuses on teaching mechanic skills to children under the age of 14.  Children are the future bikers of America, and a bicycle is a gateway to independence and summer memories.

KidCycles aims to teach independence and confidence in children by showing them how easy it is to accomplish tasks that they may not have thought themselves capable of accomplishing.  The goal of KidCycles is to spend time teaching children in a friendly, kind environment.

During the year, the ReCYCLEry also organizes KidCycle giveaway events, where we supply bicycles to children in Orange, Chatham and the surrounding counties.  Our KidCycles events also include bike rodeos, mechanic classes aimed at the youngster and mobile repair days specifically tailored to working with children.

If your school or neighborhood would like to participate in the KidCycles program, email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Mechanics Classes

Mechanics Classes focus on teaching specific mechanic skills and are far more in-depth than the Open Repair Shop days. These classes are not for professional mechanics, but are open to everyday people and aspiring bike mechanics.   All skill levels are welcome (because you can't become an expert without starting with the basics).

Mechanics classes are divided into three sections:  Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.  Classes for each level meet once a week for 2 hours.   Each section runs 6 weeks and ends with a graduation ceremony where a Mechanics Certificate is awarded for each successful participant.

We also offer Women's Specific Mechanic Classes, which focus on teaching specific mechanic skills in an environment tailored for the needs of our female participants.

Class participants are welcomed to stay after the class and work on their individual projects.

To be put on the mailing list for classes, please email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Mobile Repair Days

On Mobile Repair Days, we pack up our tools and travel to a neighborhood, teaching bike repair and fixing bikes for local children, students and adults. We reinforce mechanic skills learned at the ReCYCLEry, showcase the utilitarian aspect of the bicycle, and have some fun while reaching out to people who may be geographically isolated from our workshop.

Volunteers generally meet at ReCYCLEry the morning of the event and help gather the bikes and parts, and load trailers. We all ride together to a local neighborhood and turn wrenches until all the repairs are done.  Wear your helmet and bring drinking water.

Frequently, our Mobile Repair Days are held on the UNC Campus, usually in The Pit.  UNC events reach out to university students who are a large part of our service volunteers and our community's bicycling population.

To inquire about scheduling a Mobile Repair Day, please email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Neighborhood Bike Shares

With gas pricing rising and environmental issues in the news daily, more and more neighborhoods are opting to work together and from neighborhood bike shares.

Bicycle sharing is a simple and convenient alternative to motorized travel.  The ReCYCLEry will assist as your neighborhood reduces the carbon footprint of commuting while helping neighborhood residents to become healthier through exercise.

Click here for more information on forming a neighborhood bike share.