Blackstone Bicycle Works

04/12/2026

Thanks to Lime for their generous helmet donation 🪖

Each helmet helps a young rider show up with confidence—learning not just how to ride, but how to ride safely.

04/09/2026

Spring break at Blackstone Bicycle Works = leveling up 🚲🔥

This year, we welcomed back youth from last summer’s camp for a special program designed to move them from Green Apron → Red Apron—building on the basics and stepping into real repair skills and leadership.

At B*W, our apron system marks each stage of growth:
🟢 Green: Basic maintenance + identifying common problems
🔴 Red: Performing repairs with confidence
🟣 Purple: Advanced repairs + teaching others
⚫ Black: Full repairs + leading across all levels

Over the course of one week, these young mechanics got hands-on with skills like tightening single-speed chains, removing and replacing pedals, working on cranks, installing and overhauling headsets, wrapping bar tape—and even leading a group ride 🚴🏾‍♀️

And it didn’t stop at bikes—youth explored creativity through music-making and T-shirt design, and got hands-on with gardening and cooking in classes led by our colleagues at the 61st Street Farmers Market 🌱🎶

More than just fixing bikes, they’re building confidence, problem-solving skills, and leadership every step of the way.

👏 Let’s hear it for our newest Red Aprons!

01/05/2026

❄️🚲 Meet Alex, our Program Manager, sharing his go-to bike parts for riding through winter and rain. From weather-ready components to small upgrades that make a big difference, these picks help keep you rolling year-round.

Want to learn more tools and tips for cold-weather biking? Stop by during our Open Shop hours to ask questions and get hands-on support.

12/22/2025

We’re proud to see the Blackstone Bicycle Works Youth Cyclocross Race Team supported and featured by USA Cycling 🚲✨

Thank you to USA Cycling and to everyone who continues to support our youth race team. Because of you, South Side riders are lining up, racing strong, and imagining bigger futures on two wheels. 💛

Blackstone Bicycle Works Youth Cyclocross Race Team wrapped up a strong fall season with support from the USA Cycling Community Impact Grant.

12/22/2025

Winter bike storage tips 👇

12/20/2025

Tomorrow, Dec 20, is going to be the last Open Shop of the year! Stop by between 10am and 12pm to get your back check before the holidays.

12/18/2025

This summer, Blackstone Bicycle Works collaborated with five nonprofit bike shops for Fly The Co-op — a first-ever ride celebrating community cycling, youth programs, and bike equity across Chicago. 🚲

The collaboration was a huge success, and we’re proud to be part of it. The conversations don’t stop here — plans are already underway to make Fly The Co-op an annual ride.

Missed it this year? Keep an eye out for next year’s ride. Join us as we build community and advocate for safer, more connected bike infrastructure across Chicago.

12/18/2025

12/12/2025

Meet Richard, one of our Summer Camp youth! 🚲
He’s been biking since he was little, but camp took his skills to the next level — especially learning how to fix his own bike without it taking all day long. 😄
Hear what Richard has to say about our bike education program.

12/05/2025

Fall Program Success! Our Blackstone Bicycle Works (B*W) Fall After-School crew just wrapped up five amazing weeks and each participant rolled out with a brand-new bike, plus helmet, lock, and multi-tool kit! This was one of two after-school programs we ran this fall, and we’re already gearing up for more. B*W offers Earn-A-Bike programs every Spring, Fall, and during Summer Camp. Empowering youth, one bike at a time!

12/04/2025

Chantrel and Dre’s story is exactly what Blackstone Bicycle Works strives to build — a community where young cyclists grow, learn, and find a place they belong.

As Chantrel shared, “Every kid needs a bike, and a place like this.” We’re committed to creating more stories like theirs on the South Side of Chicago.

If you love the work we do and want to get involved:
1️⃣ Donate to support youth bike education
2️⃣ Sign up to volunteer with our team

And for our neighbors in Woodlawn and surrounding communities, follow us for updates on our bike education programs and ways to get connected. 🚲💛

Link in bio to read impactful stories from across Experimental Station’s programs: Blackstone Bicycle Works, 61st Street Farmers Market, Link Up Illinois, and our arts & cultural events.