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. No mechanical experience is required.
Since 2005, we have taught over 50,000 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, a U of T undergraduate named Car Martin set out to promote a cycling culture on campus. Car knew that maintaining bicycles was a barrier to cycling, and inspired by similar DIY bike co-ops, created Bikechain as a space for mechanics and volunteers share tools and knowledge.
Due to high demand from the wider community, Bikechain soon expanded to serve both students and the general public.
Charles Chiu
he/him | 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
he/him | 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
she/her | Program & Outreach Manager
Twoey completed her first bike tour in 2022: a whirlwind 3000 km solo 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.
Kai Schmidt
they/them | Teaching Mechanic
After supporting many other bike shops and DIY spaces, Kai began at Bikechain as a seasonal mechanic in 2024, and has independently led our weekly Women / Trans / Non-Binary Hours since 2025. Now at Bikechain as a full-time teaching mechanic, Kai can be found supporting repairs Monday to Friday!