How Earn-A-Bike works¶

One of our most popular programs is the Earn-A-Bike program. Through this program numerous people have rescued forgotten bicycles, given them some TLC, and found them a new home.

Earn-A-Bikers create a contract in which they will give back to Free Ride! for an agreed upon value of the bike (usually $20 – $150, depending upon the quality of the bike). They then repair their chosen bicycle, using free access to the shop, shop parts, tools and learning resources. The average participant earns their bike from Free Ride within between 4 to 10 hours of volunteer time (plus repair time).

By completing the Earn-A-Bike program, people not only receive a spiffy bike but they also acquire the skills to keep that bike running and in good working condition. If you’re new to bikes, and you want to emerge from Free Ride a knowledgeable bike guru, road warrior & generous Free Ride supporter, then the Earn-A-Bike program is probably for you!

HOW TO DO AN EARN-A-BIKE!¶

Step 1: Take Two (2) Adult Mechanics Classes

Before signing up an Earn-A-Bike, you must attend two bicycle mechanics classes offered by Free Ride.
Each Adult Mechanics drop-in class costs $15 or 2 volunteer hours. Volunteer hours MUST be completed in advance of the class you wish to take.
Note: you may eligible to have the cost of classes waived if you are a) already a proficient bike mechanic, or if you have a Pennsylvania Access card.

Classes must be taken if this is your first time doing an Earn-A-Bike. If you are doing a second or third (or tenth!) Earn-A-Bike, you do not have to take classes again but you must volunteer for the amount that the classes are worth (4 hours) before tagging a new Earn-A-Bike.

Step 2: Enroll in Earn-A-Bike

Now you are ready to enroll in Earn-A-Bike! To enroll, just show up to any Open Shop on Thursdays and Saturdays (or Wednesday if you are a woman/transgendered person) and a staff member will help you select a bike. When you have selected a bike to earn, a staff member will give you an estimated value. Then you place a numbered white tag and a red tag on it, and fill out an Earn-A-Bike form. Your form will be kept in the Earn-A-Bike binder for as long as you are working on the bike.

If you fail to update your Earn-A-Bike form at least once every two weeks, we may un-tag your bike and remove your form! If you decide you don’t want your Earn-A-Bike anymore, you can always forfeit and choose another untagged bike (let a staffer know), or call our shop and ask us to remove your form and untag the bike. If you know you cannot come in to work on your Earn-A-Bike for more than two weeks, make a note on your form of when you’ll be back in the shop, or call and a volunteer will do it for you.

Occasionally, due to circumstances beyond our control, an Earn-A-Bike will “disappear” from Free Ride. When that happens, it’s a bummer for everyone involved. For added security, we recommend that you purchase a lock and “free lock” your bicycle while it’s hanging on the wall at Free Ride.

Step 3: Earning

Each bike selected by participants is given a value by a staffer. The value depends largely on the quality and condition of the bicycle. Then, participants must earn their bike before they can take the bike home. You can volunteer at the rate of $8/hr (preferred) or pay cash. You also have the option of volunteering for any part of the amount, and paying the rest.

Step 4: Fixing Your Bike

Fix your bike! Fixing anything is tough, especially when you are new at it. Free Ride offers several ways to help you learn about bicycle repair. You have already taken two classes, but we encourage you to take more classes to learn the necessary skills. Additionally, there are self-learning tools all over the shop. The self-guided learning tools range from diagrams to “exploded” assemblies of bicycle parts to a great collection of repair manuals (located near the cash register). Finally, many friendly people at Free Ride are willing to help if you just ask.

You can fix your bike before you earn it, or earn it first and then fix it—it’s up to you.

Step 5: Safety Inspection

Before leaving the shop with a completed bicycle, it must pass a basic safety inspection by a qualified staff member. Just ask a staffer during open shop to give the safety inspection.