How It Works

From community garages to kids' handlebars — here's the journey every bike takes.

Step 1: Community Bike Collection

Bikes come from the communities themselves. Through neighbourhood cleanup events, garage cleanouts, and donation drives, residents bring in bikes their kids have outgrown or no longer use.

We partner with community associations, schools, and local businesses to organize regular collection events across Calgary. No bike is too old or too small — every bike has a second life waiting.

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Step 2: Young Mechanics at Work

Every donated bike goes through our workshop, staffed by trained young mechanics. These youth are taught professional bike repair skills and are paid through the program's donation funds.

Each bike is inspected for:

  • Frame integrity and structural safety
  • Brake function and adjustment
  • Tire condition and inflation
  • Chain, gears, and drivetrain
  • Handlebar and seat security

Worn parts are replaced, and every bike leaves the shop road-ready and certified safe.

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Step 3: Meeting Kids at School

We go directly to Calgary schools to reach kids where they are. At school fitting events, every child is matched with a bike that fits them properly — the right frame size, seat height, and handlebar reach.

Along with their bike, every child receives:

  • A properly fitted helmet
  • Front and rear safety lights
  • Basic riding instruction
  • Parent safety guide with tips for safe riding
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Step 4: The Annual Exchange

Kids grow fast. A bike that fits in September might be too small by the following spring. That's why we built the annual exchange into the program.

Each year, families bring back their child's current bike and exchange it for the next size up. The returned bike goes right back into our workshop to be tuned up for the next rider.

The $15 annual exchange fee goes directly to paying our young mechanics — keeping the whole cycle turning.

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The Velo.You Cycle

It's a true community loop — bikes never stop moving.

Donate

Community members donate outgrown or unused bikes.

Repair

Young mechanics inspect, fix, and certify each bike.

Ride

Kids receive a right-sized bike with helmet and lights.

Exchange

As kids grow, bikes come back and the cycle continues.

Want to Be Part of the Cycle?

Donate a bike, volunteer your time, or get your child signed up.

Get Involved