The Impact of Two Wheels
WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE OFFER
Open Roads Bike Program began in 2009 with the idea of using bikes to teach life skills. What started as a grassroots effort in a borrowed garage has grown into one of Kalamazoo’s most innovative youth development nonprofits.
We’ve always been more than a bike shop. Our programs serve more than 1,100 young people every year with a focus on social-emotional learning, job training, and mentorship. From our signature Earn-A-Bike course to paid apprenticeships, every Open Roads program empowers youth to build confidence, skills, and a sense of belonging.
In the past decade alone, we’ve given away more than 7,500 bikes, provided over 5,000 free bike repairs, trained more than 30 youth apprentices, and supported hundreds of students on their journey toward self-sufficiency. As a result of and in support of our youth mechanics, we’ve also sold more than 1,000 affordable bikes to community members.
Open Roads programming includes:
Earn-a-Bike – A six-week program in which youth ages 8–17 learn bike repair and social-emotional skills to earna bike, helmet, and lock while developing confidence and independence through hands-on learning.
Open Shop – A free, drop-in bike repair workshop where youth receive guidance, parts, and support to learn how to maintain and repair their own bikes.
Apprenticeship – Hands-on job training for youth emphasizing leadership development through mentorship and real-world experience in bike shop operations and community programming.
Youth Advisory Board –The Youth Advisory Board (YAB) empowers youth to create positive change in the Kalamazoo community. The YAB advises Open Roads staff about the program curriculum, events, and fundraising, while also implementing special projects to engage the community.
Forward Motion For All
WHY WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
Open Roads outgrew its former space long ago, forcing us to turn away opportunities to serve and limiting our impact.
With no classroom, no secure storage, and no room to grow, we jumped at the chance to purchase the former KalBlue building on Vine Street and began imagining the possibilities of its 10,000 square feet.
The new space provides Open Roads with the ability to:
This is more than a building; it’s our home base for youth empowerment in Kalamazoo.
WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE OFFER
Open Roads Bike Program began in 2009 with the idea of using bikes to teach life skills. What started as a grassroots effort in a borrowed garage has grown into one of Kalamazoo’s most innovative youth development nonprofits.
We’ve always been more than a bike shop. Our programs serve more than 1,100 young people every year with a focus on social-emotional learning, job training, and mentorship. From our signature Earn-A-Bike course to paid apprenticeships, every Open Roads program empowers youth to build confidence, skills, and a sense of belonging.
In the past decade alone, we’ve given away more than 7,500 bikes, provided over 5,000 free bike repairs, trained more than 30 youth apprentices, and supported hundreds of students on their journey toward self-sufficiency. As a result of and in support of our youth mechanics, we’ve also sold more than 1,000 affordable bikes to community members.
Open Roads programming includes:
Earn-a-Bike – A six-week program in which youth ages 8–17 learn bike repair and social-emotional skills to earna bike, helmet, and lock while developing confidence and independence through hands-on learning.
Open Shop – A free, drop-in bike repair workshop where youth receive guidance, parts, and support to learn how to maintain and repair their own bikes.
Apprenticeship – Hands-on job training for youth emphasizing leadership development through mentorship and real-world experience in bike shop operations and community programming.
Youth Advisory Board –The Youth Advisory Board (YAB) empowers youth to create positive change in the Kalamazoo community. The YAB advises Open Roads staff about the program curriculum, events, and fundraising, while also implementing special projects to engage the community.
Forward Motion For All
WHY WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
Open Roads outgrew its former space long ago, forcing us to turn away opportunities to serve and limiting our impact.
With no classroom, no secure storage, and no room to grow, we jumped at the chance to purchase the former KalBlue building on Vine Street and began imagining the possibilities of its 10,000 square feet.
The new space provides Open Roads with the ability to:
- Centralize and expand our programs.
- Provide dedicated classroom and shop space.
- Offer secure storage for tools, bikes, and parts.
- Increase visibility and foot traffic.
- Allow for expanded retail and open-shop hours.
- Strengthen community partnerships and co-location opportunities.
This is more than a building; it’s our home base for youth empowerment in Kalamazoo.
