Mission:
The Mission of the Carbondale Bicycle Project is to increase individual, community, environmental, and global health by operating a sustainable, safe, and educational community bicycle shop and bicycle education programs.
What We Offer
- Learn to repair your own bicycle
- Build a bike from our donated inventory
- Purchase used bicycles and parts
- Donate old parts (tax receipts available)
Recommended donation: $10 per hour
Our Mission
The Carbondale Bike Project is a volunteer-run community shop. We provide a safe space where anyone can learn bicycle repair skills. Our shop has plenty of donated bikes, parts, and knowledgeable volunteers ready to help.
We keep bikes out of landfills and get them back on the road. We connect with people who want to learn new skills and help others stay rolling on pedal power.
Stop by during open shop hours. No appointments needed.
Our Journey: 2009-2017
The Carbondale Bike Project began in 2009. We started by refurbishing discarded bicycles to provide affordable transportation. Originally called the Bonedale Bicycle Project, we operated from a dirt parking lot in downtown Carbondale.
Our early successes:
- Refurbished 60 bicycles for community members
- Raised $500 for World Bike
In 2011, we partnered with Aloha Mountain Cyclery. Under their roof, we expanded our services over the next six years. Within the first five months, we:
- Refurbished over 40 bicycles
- Raised $1,600 for World Bike
- Raised $500 for Bicycles for Humanity
By 2015, our popularity required more space. We moved Sunday workshops to a basement storage unit for $200 monthly rent. The community embraced us—donations easily covered our expenses.
Growth and Transformation: 2017-Present
In January 2017, we became a non-profit under the Way of Compassion Foundation. We changed our name to The Way of Compassion Bicycle Project (WOCBP) and added Thursday after-school programs.
By 2018, we:
- Moved to the Third Street Center with proper facilities
- Generated $12,000 through donations and sales
- Added a salaried director position
- Expanded to 2.5 open shop days weekly
- Launched women’s tuning nights and school programs
When the pandemic hit in 2020, bicycle popularity surged. We shifted to building and servicing bikes when people needed them most.
In late 2021, Aaron Taylor stepped down as director. With help from the Third Street Center, we formed our own non-profit and became the Carbondale Bike Project. Today, we operate entirely through volunteer efforts.
Leadership & Support
Advisory Board:
- Steve Novy
- Lyn Williams
- Aaron Taylor
- Colin Laird (Fiscal Sponsor Contact)
- Darryl Fuller
- Aaron Humphrey
Community Partners:
Aloha Mountain Cyclery, Umbrella Roofing, The Rebekah Lodge, Roaring Fork Transit Authority, Crystal River Elementary School, Roaring Fork High School, Ragged Mountain Sports, and The Buddy Program.