
Blackstone Bicycle Works aims to empower youth through bicycle education, leadership, and life skills development.
YOUTH EDUCATION
We empower youth from Chicago's South Side by teaching bike mechanics, job skills, and life skills to individuals ages 8-18 through in-school, after-school, and Earn-A-Bike programs.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
We engage and educate the local community while advocating for safer pedestrian infrastructure through our Open Shop, Group Rides, and Community Classes.
OPEN SHOP
Wednesdays | 4–6 PM
Saturdays | 10 AM–12 PM
Bring your bike during one of our Open Shop hours. Our staff and volunteers are here to help teach you how to fix your own bike. We don’t offer drop-off services, and you can’t leave your bike with us — we believe in empowering riders with the knowledge to keep their own wheels spinning.
Community
PROGRAMS
Youth
Our youth programs empower young people from under-resourced communities on Chicago’s South Side through hands-on training in bicycle mechanics, safety, and cycling. With leadership and career development workshops, we help youth build confidence, skills, and pathways toward future success.
Each program includes:
BIKES
SCIENCE
ARTS
GARDENING
DURING SCHOOL YEAR
Earn-A-Bike After School
TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS | 4-6 PM
We will have two sessions this fall. We are still accepting participants.
SESSION 1: Sept. 23 – Oct. 23
SESSION 2: Oct. 28 – Dec. 4
THREE SESSIONS BETWEEN JUNE - AUGUST
Earn-A-Bike Summer Camp
IN MARCH
Spring Break Camp
DURING SCHOOL YEAR
In-School classes
FALL SEASON
Cyclocross Racing Team
FOR MORE INFO, CONTACT:
BRUCE WINSTON
PROGRAM MANAGER - YOUTH EXPERIENCE
Frequently Asked Questions
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Blackstone Bicycle Works is a nonprofit bike shop that serves youth and the wider community in the Woodlawn neighborhood and across the South Side of Chicago. We’re all about bikes, empowerment, and creating opportunities for young people through hands-on learning and community engagement.
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Yes! Bring your bike during one of our Open Shop hours:
Wednesdays from 4–6 PM
Saturdays from 10 AM–12 PM
Our staff and volunteers are here to help teach you how to fix your own bike. We don’t offer drop-off services, and you can’t leave your bike with us — we believe in empowering riders with the knowledge to keep their own wheels spinning.
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We sell essentials to keep you rolling, including:
Brake and shift cables
Housing
Chain lubricant
Helmets
You can purchase items during our Open Shop hours.
We currently do not sell bikes, but stay tuned — that may change soon!
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We run a variety of youth programs year-round, including:
In-school and after-school programs for elementary and middle school students
Spring break and summer camps
A Youth Cyclocross Team for young riders who want to race, get muddy, and have fun
Whether you're new to biking or already shredding trails, there’s a place for you at Blackstone.
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We’re always grateful for donations of bicycles and bike accessories. You can drop items off during Open Shop hours. If that doesn’t work for you, email us at shop@experimentalstation.org to schedule a different time. Your support helps keep our programs free and accessible to the youth and community. You can also support us monetarily here.
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We’d love to have you on board! You can sign up to volunteer [here]. No bike experience? No problem! We’re happy to train volunteers, and we always appreciate an extra set of hands.
If you have any questions, DM or email us at shop@experimentalstation.org