Getting the Community into Gear

Blackstone Bicycle Works (BBW) aims to build a healthy local bike culture with knowledgeable cyclists of all ages that view cycling as a reliable, sustainable mode of transportation.

To that end, BBW is opening its doors to the community through Open Shop every Saturday and bringing bicycle education into local schools through its in-school programming. 

“Open Shop has been a great way to connect to the community and provide them with bike mechanic services, since those services are essential yet scarce on Chicago’s south side,” said Alex Valladares, BBW Program Manager. 

Open Shop provides free workshops on how to fix a flat, adjust brakes, or other bike-related topics. Since launching Open Shop in August 2023, BBW has served nearly 500 community members.

BBW is also fostering cycling enthusiasm among young community members through in-school bicycle workshops. In the past year, BBW has reached over 400 youth through its in-school workshops. These interactive workshops teach students aged 5-14 about bike physics, components, maintenance, and safe cycling skills. 

One student shared, “I didn’t know bikes had so many parts! It was fun learning how everything works together, and I can’t wait to try fixing my own bike.” 

For youths who would like to learn more about bikes and expand their skills, BBW offers Earn-A-Bike, Youth Open Shop, and Cycling Club after-school programming. BBW staff have enjoyed seeing program youths drop by Saturday Open Shop to lend their newly gained mechanical skills to assist community members with their bike repair needs. 

“It’s a full circle,” said BBW Program Manager Bruce Winston, “youth apply what they learned in the Earn-A-Bike program to Open Shop, helping others—and joining in on community group rides.”