Upcycle Bikes

06/04/2026

These visiting interns are all set to ride around town.

We were happy to meet Cameron, Emilie, and Rayana when they stopped into the shop asking to buy some of our for-sale bikes. The three at are part of the Morehead-Cain Foundation Scholars Program, in Grand Rapids for eight weeks to complete an internship at Corewell Health working on dementia research.

They need a way to get around while they’re here, so we set them up with some cruisers. When they complete their internship, they plan to donate the bikes back to Upcycle!

Interested in buying a quality, refurbished bike in support of our mission? Learn more at upcyclebikes.org/sale.

06/03/2026

Join us in saying a big “thank you!” to Ellie, our former administrative manager.

Ellie wrapped up her time at Upcycle Bikes last week to pursue a new opportunity, and we’re grateful for the impact she’s leaving behind. She brought care, creativity, and consistency to everything she took on, and helped to facilitate the work we do every day—from the way we communicate with partners, to the way we welcome volunteers, to the countless behind-the-scenes details that keep us running.

Thank you, Ellie!

06/01/2026

Give your old bike a new life! Calvary Church is hosting a bike drive for us this Saturday, June 6 from 9 am-12 pm.

Swing by to donate your old or used adult bike in any condition, and we’ll refurbish it to provide at no cost to a community member with financial constraints who needs access to transportation.

We’ll also be accepting bike parts and saddles in good condition.

Thanks to Calvary Church for their support!

06/01/2026

Do you know a bike mechanic who would be perfect for the Upcycle Bikes team? We’re hiring! See details and the link to apply below.

📣 We’re hiring! 📣

Are you a skilled bike mechanic who loves supporting others and cares about our mission? Join our team as the operational anchor of the Upcycle Bikes shop, where you’ll refurbish donated bikes to high quality while training and mentoring volunteers.

Ideal candidates for this role are technically proficient, patient teachers, and genuinely excited about making cycling accessible to all.

Learn more and apply at upcyclebikes.org/jobs.

05/28/2026

What do you do if you get out of work after the last bus runs? In Kevin’s case, you walk for over two hours to get home.

But not anymore. Kevin (right) picked up the road bike he requested through Mel Trotter Ministries for his commute. Volunteer Tim (left) added a rack to hold Kevin’s belongings while he rides.

Now he has reliable transportation no matter his work schedule. Happy riding, Kevin!

05/26/2026

Help us give a BIG thank you to Eva Bagley, who wrapped up her internship with us earlier this month.

A student in NorthPointe Christian Schools' Big Picture Learning program, Eva was with us two days a week for six months. She brought enthusiasm and energy to the shop, presented about Upcycle Bikes in her school’s internship expo, and worked on upwards of 40 bikes during her time with us.

We loved having her on the team and are grateful for her impact. Thank you, Eva!

05/21/2026

Last year we recycled more than 11,000 pounds of metal that could not be refurbished, and we have this guy to thank.

Our 86-year-old friend—who prefers not to be named—visits every two weeks, painstakingly separates out recyclable components of our scrap bikes and parts, and takes them to the recycling plant.

We appreciate him and value the important role he plays in our commitment to environmental sustainability.

05/20/2026

SAVE THE DATE 🗓️ Join us on Thursday, September 24 from 6-8:30 p.m. for Pedals for Progress 2026 at the Goei Center!

We’ll celebrate the impact of no-cost bikes in the lives of riders, connect with community, and mobilize impact by investing in our shared work.

Early bird tickets go on sale June 15. Learn about sponsorship opportunities now at upcyclebikes.org/pedals.

05/18/2026

Francois’s new bike is providing independence and connection.

Originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Francois moved to the U.S. a few years ago. He’s been embracing his new community, volunteering at a local elementary school several days a week and getting connected with Senior Neighbors.

He’s planning to ride his no-cost bike from Upcycle Bikes to visit a friend who lives nearby, make trips to the market, and get good exercise. Francois is happy he won’t have to wait for a ride to get where he needs to go.

And he and his friends—who also have bikes from Upcycle—are joking about a bike race this summer. 🏁

05/13/2026

Give your old bike a new life! Rockford Footwear Depot is hosting a bike drive for us this Saturday, May 16 from 9 am-1 pm at their store.

Swing by to donate your old or used adult bike in any condition, and we’ll refurbish it to provide at no cost to a community member with financial constraints who needs access to transportation.

We’ll also be accepting bike parts and saddles in good condition.

Thanks to Rockford Footwear Depot for their support! See you soon.