Neighborhood Bike Works' (NBW) mission is to promote youth development by offering
educational, recreational, and career-building opportunities through bicycling. It also
promotes cycling as a healthy, environment-friendly form of transportation
NBW began in 1996 as a Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia project called Youth
Cycle & Recycle. It incorporated as an independent non-profit in 1999. NBW established
its current headquarters at St. Mary's Church (40th & Locust Walk) in 2000, and opened
the Haddington Neighborhood Shop at 60th & Vine in 2002
NBW offers classes on bike repair and bike safety after school, on weekends, and in the
summer. Students complete a 7-week basic Earn a Bike class teaching repair, safe and
effective urban cycling, fitness, and environmental responsibility, and work together to
fix up used bikes donated by the community. Upon completion, each earns a bike, a helmet
and lock. After school activities have always been free to youth aged 8 to 18; weekend
and advanced programming are open to graduates of basic classes.
NBW creates positive out-of-school-time activities for young people. The key to its
success has been through mentoring and positive role models. A dedicated staff of
workers and volunteers run the two bike shops and associated programs. Many past
participants have remained involved, improving their skills while earning hours (NBW's
currency) used to buy parts and accessories. Since its inception, NBW has introduced over
a thousand young Philadelphians to the joys and freedom of cycling in the city.