about us
what is bikechain?
Bikechain is a non-profit bicycle repair space serving University of Toronto and the public.
We provide tools and mechanic support to teach you how to fix your own bike. This helps to keep repairs affordable and reduce cyclists’ reliance on expensive commercial bike repair services. No bike repair experience is required.
Since 2005, we have taught over 40,000 people how to fix their bikes and ride safely.
WHAT DO WE DO?
In addition to operating a Monday to Friday do-it-yourself bike repair centre, we also offer free bike rentals for students, host workshops and events, lead group rides around Toronto, help repair mobility devices, host bicycle repair hours just for women and trans people, and more.
In everything we do, we aim to promote a sustainable cycling culture that is safe, affordable, and accessible.
HISTORY
In 2005, U of T graduate student named Car Martin set out to promote a cycling culture on campus. Car knew that maintaining bicycles was a barrier to cycling, and created Bikechain as a place where mechanics and volunteers could teach people how to repair their own bikes.
Bikechain’s Do-It-Yourself model was incredibly popular, and due to high demand from the wider community, we later expanded to include both students and the general public.
Charles Chiu
Executive Director
Charles has been active at Bikechain since 2015 as a participant, volunteer, teaching mechanic, and Board director. In 2018, Charles co-created Bike School, Bikechain’s repair education workshop series, and has facilitated the program since. As Executive Director, Charles aims to build on the strong community at Bikechain and continue to make cycling accessible and affordable for all.
David Oliver
Shop Manager
Since building his first bike in 2011 (some of that work at Bikechain!), David has been immersed in the Toronto bike community. David has enjoyed working and volunteering alongside amazing cyclists, and supporting people that could not otherwise afford to fix their bicycles. Meeting interesting people and creating an accessible space are two things that David aims to continue as Shop Manager.
Twoey Gray
Program & Outreach Coordinator
Twoey completed her first bike tour in 2022: a whirlwind 3000 km journey from Toronto to Halifax. Bike touring introduced Twoey to an inspiring community and solidified her belief in cycling as a vehicle for social change. At Bikechain, Twoey hopes to encourage other women and queer people to attempt the impossible, and to empower communities traditionally excluded from cycling.
Adrian Diaz
Teaching Mechanic
Adrian’s cycling journey began in the winter of 2012 in Toronto. After many years of courier work, bike building, and bike touring, he first discovered Bikechain as a volunteer. Adrian now merges his love of cycling and innate desire to help others by empowering cyclists to learn about themselves and enjoy cycling as a barrier-breaking mode of transport.
Kai Schmidt
Teaching Mechanic
Coming soon!