We look forward to your work with the Silicon Valley Bicycle Exchange!

Information for experienced volunteers

You will be helping us repair bicycles for donation to the charities we serve while learning about bicycle repair. Bike repair experience is not necessary; your volunteering efforts will be educational and productive regardless of your level of experience. And if you've got a bike to contribute, bring it along!

Location

3961 East Bayshore Road
Palo Alto, CA 94303

East Bayshore runs east of and parallel to Highway 101 between San Antonio and Oregon Expressway. Please enter via Corporation Way. Go all the way around to the rear of the building and check in at the front desk.

Parking

We are still considering how to advise volunteers where best to park your car while volunteering at our new, temporary Bayshore location.  In any case, if you can, ride your bike to the event!

Hours

10am to 3pm, rain or shine.

First-time volunteers must:

• attend Volunteer Orientation 10am sharp.
• read and complete the Liability Release Form

Who can attend?

Kids are always welcome to volunteer; youth under age 18 must be accompanied by a supervising adult; we strongly encourage the adult to work along side as well. Some youth volunteers have earned their independent bicycle mechanic status through their knowledge and time spent at the Bicycle Exchange. Ask one of our organizers how to earn this status.

Individual & Group Volunteering

Individual volunteers may show up at any workday, just check in at the front desk. For groups of 5 or more, contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to schedule your group.

Tasks

Volunteer tasks can include bike and parts cleaning, bike repair or tearing down bikes for parts. You'll get to select a project bike that looks like a good match for your skills. An experienced volunteer with a green name tag can help you if you have questions. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you get stuck or have any questions!

Our QA Process

For novice volunteers, whom we refer to as apprentices, the work is overseen regularly by a "mentor" who provides advice and assigns tasks. The goal is to pick a project bike, take it through our 18 point checklist, and get it past our rigorous quality assurance process. This is usually a significant opportunity to iterate and learn about mechanical things and bicycles specifically.

What should I bring?

• Tools if you have them. We provide tools and work stands but volunteers are welcome to bring their own tools; just make sure to leave with no more and no less than your own tools at the end of the day!
• $3/person for group pizza or bring your own lunch.
• Reusable water bottle-We have a water cooler.
• Clothing that can get dirty
• Sturdy, closed-toe shoes
• Sunscreen and a hat

Interested?

Watch a quick 1-minute video about the Bicycle Exchange

More questions?

Please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..