Bikes are the preferred mode of transportation for readers of DIYBIKING.COM. But they are also the only form of transportation for a huge number of working poor, homeless and at-risk youth in Silicon Valley. Not only that but there a lot of people in the area often can't afford to buy bikes for their kids and get them on the road.
There are a lot of ways we can help. This is a short but what I hope is a growing number of bike-based charities and events. If you have or know of one that you'd like listed here (and/or have a special event you'd like DIYBIKING.COM readers to know about) please share it with me at michaelknorris (at) gmail.com
Good Karma Bikes
Allows homeless and at-risk youth to earn bikes through working, provides assistance for at-risk and youth aging out of the foster care system, and repairs/sells donated bikes and accessories to the public via their shop.
460 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose
Hope Services Bike Shop & Refurbish Program
Accepts donated bikes and the sales of refurbished bikes benefit their Cycles of Hope Program. If you wish to donate a bike please call them at 408-562-1836
3080 Alfred St.
Santa Clara, CA
*and*
37482 Fremont Blvd
Fremont, CA
Turning Wheels for Kids
Providing children with new bikes - has an annual 'Big Bike Build' in San Jose - next one is Dec. 2, 2017 with registration opening for that build in October.
San Jose Bike Clinic
A DIY non-profit and volunteer run bike clinic in downtown San Jose; open 5pm-8pm Monday thru Thursday.
19 N, 2nd Street, San Jose
(See my write up about SJBC: https://blaze.cc/a-work-in-progress-the-san-jose-bike-clinic/)