South Bend Bike Garage might have first opened its doors in May 2025, but members of the community celebrated the nonprofit's downtown ribbon cutting May 8.
The space at 119 W. Wayne St. is open from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, and helps people repair and restore their bikes. They don't charge for labor and sell parts near cost.
“Whether it’s a flat tire, shifting issue, brake adjustment or a full tune-up, our goal is to keep people riding safely and confidently,” the South Bend Garage's website said.
One of their strategic goals is to expand their hours.
They also accept bicycle donations and restore them to sell back to the community at affordable prices. Bikes receive a full inspection, replacing parts and tuning them up.
The garage also has a mobile location that brings tools and supplies to events, neighborhoods and schools. They also offer safety lessons, learn-to-ride clinics and group trail rides.
Plus, the South Bend Bike Garage offers a junior mechanic program for youth. They teach basic repairs, tool use and problem solving. And the Riding for Focus program brings cycling to students at school. Outride offers grants “to integrate cycling into the school day.”
“For many in our community, a bicycle isn't recreation. It's the ride to work. The way to school. The trip to the grocery store,” according to a post on LinkedIn. “At the South Bend Bike Garage, we see every week how a working bicycle can change someone's trajectory.”
