Gearin' Up Bicycles

Mission Statement

Gearin' Up Bicycles' purpose is to create career development opportunities and teach essential workplace skills to teenagers from underserved communities, while encouraging cycling as a practical, healthy means of transportation. Gearin' Up provides access to quality, affordable, used bicycles for those in need and hosts various community outreach programs throughout the year.

Slogan

Building Bikes, Building Business, Creating Opportunity.

Nonprofit Description

Gearin' Up Bicycles, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is a community used bicycle store training and employing young adults from underserved communities in Washington D.C. Our retail space in downtown Washington D.C. featuring a bicycle show room up front and a mechanic shop in the back will sell quality, affordable used bicycles in addition to basic bicycle tools and accessories. Bicycle donations via ongoing in-store donations, bike drives and fundraisers will ensure a constant supply for our mechanic staff to tune-up or rebuild and prepare for sale. Sales representatives and mechanic staff will be hired from underserved communities. These staff members will gain the skills they need to succeed in their future with Gearin' Up Bicycles and beyond.

Gearin' Up Bicycles staff including management, sales representatives and mechanics will be paid positions, while volunteers with bicycle maintenance skills from surrounding bicycle cooperatives will assist, as needed. Micro-financing plans will be available with discounts for members of the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brother, Big Sister and other partner organizations. By providing access to affordable used bicycles, information on cycling for novice cyclists, and employment opportunities for young adults from underserved communities, Gearin' Up Bicycles will increase independence and self-sufficiency and contribute to the success of Washington DC's Master Bicycle Plan.