ABOUT US

Access to transportation impacts nearly every area of our lives.

It’s the difference between opportunity and threat when it comes to economic stability, education, health, community, and more.

Those who already experience barriers to thriving—like low-income individuals and families—are impacted more than others by a lack of transportation access. Over 25% of low-income adults lack reliable transportation, and low-income households spend 30% of their income on transportation.

Upcycle Bikes exists to strengthen independence, opportunity, and connection through affordable and accessible transportation for individuals with financial constraints. By collecting used bikes donated by community members, refurbishing these bikes with staff and volunteer mechanics, and distributing the bikes at no cost through a network of over 50 partner organizations in West Michigan, we ensure vital transportation resources reach those who need them most.

Our Mission

Upcycle Bikes strengthens independence, opportunity, and connection through affordable and accessible transportation by providing refurbished adult bikes at no cost to individuals with financial constraints.

Our Vision

To create a community accessible for all!

What We Do

  • COLLECT

    We collect old and used bikes donated by community members who don’t need them.

  • REFURBISH

    Our mechanics and volunteers thoroughly refurbish these used bikes to ensure they’re functional, safe, and comfortable.

  • DISTRIBUTE

    We distribute refurbished bikes at no cost to community members with financial constraints through our network of distribution partner organizations.

  • IMPACT

    Bike recipients gain transportation—along with independence, opportunity, and connection—through their new ride.

Our History

In early 2022, recreational cyclist Rick Armbruster began volunteering with Bethany Christian Services to fix donated bikes for Afghan refugees being served by the organization. The group needed basic and affordable transportation quickly to access employment, resources, appointments, and more. Rick wondered if this was a broader community need; through conversations with area nonprofits and leaders, he learned that transportation was a significant challenge for the community members served by these organizations. Upcycle Bikes was founded in August 2022 in response to this community need, providing refurbished adult bikes at no cost to individuals with financial constraints.

Our Values

  • COMMUNITY

    Creating access and connection through transportation; and building relationships with partners, volunteers, donors, and riders for impact.

  • ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

    Upcycling and recycling materials and resources to divert potential waste from landfills.

  • SAFETY

    Ensuring quality bike refurbishment and promoting safe cycling practices by providing helmets, locks, lights, and rules of the road information.

  • DIGNITY

    Engaging our community with respect and providing high-quality bikes that riders can be proud of.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Statement

Upcycle Bikes satisfies our mission to address the transportation challenges of individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, and national origins; faiths and ideologies; sexual orientations; gender expressions and gender identities; and races and racial identities. We are committed to advocating for and supporting individuals from all income groups across the full economic spectrum. We support and promote the idea of all individuals working together to support each other to build one inclusive and accessible community.

Public Reporting