logo for Silicon Valley Bicycle Exchange - sprocket
SILICON
VALLEY
Bicycle Exchange

Quick Answers

Bicycle Exchange location: 3961 East Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, CA MAP.

Interested in volunteering? Explore our event calendar and visit our Eventbrite page to RSVP for upcoming opportunities. New volunteers can find details about our volunteer roles and general information.

Stopping by our shop? Make an appointment to shop for a bicycle or parts, ask us questions about volunteering, drop off a donation, receive service for your bike, or anything else! Shop Hours are Monday - Friday, 11:00 am - 5:30 pm and 2nd and 4th Saturdays 10:00 am - 3:00 pm.

Have a bicycle to donate? Donate bicycles and parts by emailing us photos and details of what you have, to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We'll let you know if we need your items and get you the drop-off details. Please do not make an appointment to drop off a bicycle without emailing us photos first; we cannot accept all bicycles and parts.

The Silicon Valley Bicycle Exchange is a Section 501c(3) non-profit organization.

Have questions? Contact us.

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sprocket - Bicycle Exchange Logo

We're excited you’re joining us at Silicon Valley Bicycle Exchange, helping repair donated bikes, and providing essential transportation to those in need through our community partners.

Volunteer workdays are generally held on 2nd and 4th Saturdays, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm and some weekday evenings at 3961 East Bayshore Road in Palo Alto. Take a look at our event calendar to register for upcoming repair events. Read on for details.

Information for returning volunteers

At our repair events you will be repairing bicycles for donation to the charities we partner with, while learning about bicycle repair. Bike repair experience is not necessary. Volunteering your time to repair bikes or serve in other capacities is very much appreciated. We have found that volunteering and repairing bikes offers a sense of personal achievement, growth and self-sufficiency.

Location and Parking

3961 East Bayshore Road
Palo Alto, CA 94303

Car parking is available by entering via Corporation Way, in our parking lot directly behind the building. Bicycle parking is available as well.

Go around to the rear of the building and check in at the front desk.

Saturday Event Hours

2nd and 4th Saturdays 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, rain or shine.

First-time volunteers must:

Who Can Volunteer?

We welcome volunteers of all ages! Youth under age 18, volunteering for the first time, must be accompanied by a trusted adult. After SVBE determines they can work without adult supervision, they can volunteer independently at future events. We strongly encourage the adult to work alongside as well.

Young man riding a BMX bike at a bike repair workshop

Individual and Group Volunteering

First-time volunteers must sign up for an upcoming event on our Eventbrite page. Returning volunteers can work any workday; just check in at the front desk and sign in with our Volunteer Sign-In Form to log your hours. For groups of five or more, contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to schedule your group. If you are interested in having a corporate team-building event with us, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


What Will I be Doing?

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!

Man repairing a red bicycle

Repair Process

The goal is to pick a project bike, take it through our 22-point checklist and successfully pass our rigorous quality assurance inspections. This is usually a significant opportunity to iterate and learn about mechanical things and bicycles specifically. If you need help or need guidance, we have mentor mechanics who can help help you through the process. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you get stuck or have any questions!

What should I bring?

  • 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!
  • SVBE will provide pizza for Saturday lunch. Donations are welcome but not required
  • Reusable water bottle—We have filtered water available
  • Clothing that can get dirty; we provide aprons
  • Sturdy, closed-toe shoes
  • Sunscreen and a hat

Please log your hours on the SVBE Volunteer Sign-In form. You may log more than one day's worth of volunteering.

bike repair mini-course

In addition to repairing bikes at our in-shop volunteer repair events, volunteering can also happen from the comfort of your home by working on "homework bikes." Contact us if you want to volunteer by working on a homework bike.

See our event calendar for more events and volunteer days.

Event Photography

Have you taken photos or videos from an event with us? Are SVBE photos taking up space on your device? Help us by uploading them here! Your content may be featured on SVBE’s website, publications, print materials or social media.

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..

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