What is The Bike Place?
A repair shop? Yes. A store? Yeah. A club? Kinda. The Bike Place is Midwest Partners’ volunteer-led program for rescuing, repairing, selling, and donating new, used, and classic bikes. We’re also a place where cycling enthusiasts of all ages can learn more about biking in the area, maintain their bikes, or find their next ride.
Creating a Bike-Friendly Community
Most people visit us for two reasons:
To find or fix affordable bicycles (or e-bikes and tricycles — for adults and kids).
To donate bikes they no longer need.
Whether you’re looking for a two-or-three-wheeled bargain, the first bike for your pre-schooler, or mountain and road bikes, we probably have them —new and pre-owned, usually for 30 to 50% below normal retail price.
That’s not all we do, though. The Bike Place offers tool-sharing for bicycle repairs, mentoring and coaching for those wanting to learn more, and a place to exchange ideas and support other cyclists of all abilities.
We promote bike racks, bike paths, and “Complete Streets” that are safer for all concerned. We work with the Princeton Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission and the annual Z-Tour.
Bike Safety & Education
A major goal of The Bike Place is making sure youth and adults of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to learn proper bike safety!
Volunteers have taught bike safety and education classes throughout Bureau County Illinois: Including the Bureau County Metro Center, during scout camps, at the hospital, and at the Zearing Child Enrichment Center. We bring free bikes!
You Never Know Who You Can Meet at The Bike Place
If you stop by, there’s always someone to meet. They could be parents of children with disabilities or older adults who cherish the ability to get around town on their very accessible trikes.
Or you might see the four cyclists who stopped by on their ride across the entire United States. We had parts and expertise to help them get back on the road. In any case, those who visit us get what they need. Take for instance the two French guys traveling from Mexico to Chicago completely on bicycle.
Alban and Yoan, who were riding an average of 80 miles per day, stopped into the shop when one of their tires wore through.
There was also a family of seven who needed five new bicycles for their growing kids and the corporate group needing bikes for their annual employee ride around Bureau County. We have a regular customer who gets front wheel rims she decorates for holiday wreaths!
Come see us! Bring a bike or get a bike — either way, we are making the world a bike-friendly place, starting here.
The Right to Repair!
We have a dedicated team of volunteers who repair used bikes for sale and donation to the community. Flat tire? Bent frame? Old brakes or bad gear shift? Bring them to us!
Might you want to learn and teach others how to repair bikes? We could use your voluntary help with pick up and delivery, managing the shop and marketing, too. Call or come see us.
The Pedal It Forward program has been rolling along since 2018 — with well over 1,800 bikes donated to families, children, and youth of all ages from Princeton to Southern America, and even Africa.
Want bikes for a raffle, fundraiser, or door prize? Contact us.
This program exists because of support from wonderful people like Pam Thomas, an AmeriCorps Member and Teen Turf volunteer, seen here with her husband delivering youth bikes to The Bike Place!
The Bike Place is only possible because of volunteers and donors whose hard work and dedication inspire others who inspire others. Really, it’s inspiration all the way around.
Stop in!
701 N. Main Street
Princeton, IL 61356
Feb-March 2022 Hours
Appointment Only
Phone
(815) 797-2399