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.
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:
- attend Volunteer Orientation 10:00 am sharp
- Read and complete the Liability Release Form
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.
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
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!
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.
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
