Two decades ago, The Recyclery at 7628 N. Paulina St. was just a few friends who liked to ride. Since then, the Rogers Park shop has helped thousands of Chicagoans catch "the bike bug," as program coordinator Tzippora Rhodes put it.
“It has expanded so much from an insular group of friends into lots of people who are motivated by our mission, love bikes, and love getting their hands greasy,” Rhodes said.
The nonprofit has refurbished more than 10,000 bikes that otherwise would’ve ended up in a landfill. You can also drop by the shop to borrow their tools and fix your own bike!
Through its Earn-A-Bike Program, the group has seen how putting bikes in people’s hands can make a powerful change in their lives. The Recyclery distributes 250 free bikes to the community each year.
Whether it’s a teen who no longer has to ask their parents for rides or an adult who doesn’t have to rely on public transportation to get to work on time, bikes increase people’s autonomy and change people’s relationship with the city.
“It’s invigorating,” Rhodes said. “You’re outside among people. It changes your commute from a passive and often aggravating thing into a more energetic, joyful experience.”
The Recyclery offers bike repair and bike safety classes, so riders can feel more confident on the roads. It also partners with local schools to offer internships and is currently hosting 17 teen summer interns.
“I live really close to the shop, and it’s always been a bright light in the neighborhood,” said summer photography youth intern Denise Lee. “Whenever I’m here, there’s always someone who draws me into a conversation. I’ve learned a lot through the program, especially how to deal with anxiety around talking to people.”
