Blackstone Bicycle Works aims to empower youth through bicycle education, leadership, and life skills development.

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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

[only the 2nd Saturday of the month from Jan - April]

Our team of staff and volunteers is here to help you learn how to fix your own bike. We believe in empowering riders with the skills and knowledge to keep their own wheels spinning.

Please note that we do not offer drop-off repair services, and bikes cannot be left with us.

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

SPRING

Earn-A-Bike After School

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS 4-6 PM

We will offer two sessions this spring. We are accepting participants now.

SESSION 1: March 3 – April 14

SESSION 2: April 28 – May 28

SIGN UP

ONE WEEK

Spring Break Camp

March 23-27 | 9AM–3:30 PM

SUMMER

Earn-A-Bike Summer Camp

MONDAY - FRIDAY 9 AM – 3:30 PM

We will have three sessions. Stay tuned to sign up for the program.

Session 1: June 15 – 26

Session 2: July 6 – 17

Session 3: July 27 – August 7

FALL

Earn-A-Bike After School

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS 4-6 PM

We will offer two sessions this fall. Stay tuned for program sign-ups.

SESSION 1: Sept. 22 - Oct. 22

SESSION 2: Nov. 3 – Dec. 10

DURING SCHOOL YEAR

In-School classes

FALL SEASON

Cyclocross Racing Team

SPONSOR US

FOR MORE INFO, CONTACT:

BRUCE WINSTON

PROGRAM MANAGER - YOUTH EXPERIENCE

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • We sell a limited selection of bikes and essentials to keep you rolling, including:

    • Brake and shift cables

    • Housing

    • Chain lubricant

    • Helmets

    You can purchase items during our Open Shop hours. 

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

For any updates about the bike shop, follow us on INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK!

If you have any questions, DM or email us at shop@experimentalstation.org