A Calgary initiative with a simple belief: every kid deserves a bike.
We see a Calgary where no child goes without a bike. Where every kid — regardless of their family's circumstances — can feel the freedom, independence, and joy of riding on two wheels.
A bike isn't just a toy. It's transportation, exercise, confidence, and community. When a kid rides a bike, they explore their neighbourhood, build friendships, develop coordination, and learn responsibility. We want that for every young person in this city.
Velo.You exists to collect, repair, and distribute safe, right-sized bicycles to youth across Calgary — while also creating meaningful employment and skill development for young people through our mechanics program.
We do this by:
Achieving our vision isn't simple. It takes the whole community working together.
Volunteers give their evenings and weekends to organize events, collect bikes, and mentor young mechanics. Every hour donated keeps the program running.
Donations fund replacement parts, tools, helmets, lights, and wages for our young mechanics. Financial support is what makes every bike safe and every mechanic employed.
The kids themselves are at the heart of everything. They're not just recipients — many become advocates, helpers, and eventually young mechanics in the program.
Neighbourhood associations, schools, local businesses, and families all play a role. The bikes come from communities and go right back to them.
One of the things we're most proud of is our young mechanics program. It's not just about fixing bikes — it's about giving young people real skills, real responsibility, and real pay.
Our mechanics learn professional bike repair from experienced mentors. They earn money funded by community donations and the $15 annual exchange fees. And they build the kind of hands-on trade skills that serve them for life.
When a kid fixes a bike and hands it to another kid, that's community in action.
Every bike that leaves our workshop has been fully inspected and certified safe. Every child receives a helmet and lights. And every parent gets a guide on safe riding practices.
Brakes, tires, frame, chain, gears, handlebars, and seat — every component is checked.
No child rides without a properly fitted helmet and front/rear safety lights.
A bike changes a kid's world. It's freedom, it's exercise, it's belonging to the neighbourhood. Every child in Calgary should have that.
— The Velo.You TeamWhether you donate, volunteer, or simply spread the word — you're helping Calgary kids ride.
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