Volunteering at our community bike shop

Volunteers make our shop run! Want to give back to the community, make cycling more accessible, and learn all about bikes? Join other friendly folks with a shared passion for bikes! No previous bike repair experience is required; a desire to learn and help others is all you need.

Please note that we prioritize volunteer applicants who have used our shop and already have some familiarity with the space and our services.

What volunteering looks like

Our shop is a community resource where people get help with bike repairs, learn about cycling and find affordable parts and used bikes. Volunteers make this happen by sharing their time and knowledge. Volunteers create a welcoming space, and maintain the shop and to keep it running smoothly.

Shop volunteers:

  • welcome patrons and help them to find bikes and parts

  • repair bikes and help with DIY repairs

  • fix up bikes and parts to sell

  • organize, tidy and improve the shop

  • undertake special projects

We also run weekly volunteer-only Bike Building nights where we refurbish good bikes, strip unusable bikes, and do other ‘behind the scenes’ work.

Volunteer perks

Besides building community and growing your skills, regular volunteers get:

  • free use of the workshop, and eligibility for a shop key 

  • a free Bike Edmonton membership

  • discounted parts and bikes

All volunteers have access to:

  • mechanical training

  • opportunities for paid mechanic and event work

  • volunteer events and group bike rides!

Volunteer requirements

  • you must be 16 or over to volunteer

  • minimum time commitment of 3-4 hours every two weeks 

  • follow all shop rules

  • willing to help with all duties needed to run the shop

Starting Out

Interested in volunteering? Here’s how to get involved:

  1. If you haven’t already, visit our shop during open hours. It’s a chance to ask staff and current volunteers questions, and get a better feel for the space and how it works.

  2. While there, fill out the Volunteer Application form (this must be done at the shop; ask a volunteer or staff and we will set you up).

  3. Attend an information session. We will contact you to attend a session when you’ve filled out an application. We will give you the run-down on our history, current operations, and shop rules and guidelines.

  4. Sign up for your first shift and start volunteering! Experienced volunteers and staff support new volunteers while they learn the ropes.

If you have any specific questions about volunteering, you can contact us.

Other Ways to Help

There’s many other ways to help Bike Edmonton. Examples include:

  • taking scrap metal to the recyclers

  • helping at festivals and events

  • joining our Board of Directors

  • helping with advocacy and media work

Please email volunteer@bikeedmonton.ca and let us know if you’d like to volunteer to help beyond our shop.

We distribute awards to community members and volunteers annually! See past recipients and nominate a community member or volunteer here.