1304 Bikes

1304 Bikes

Website	www.1304bikes.com (defuct as of 2022)
Email	1304bikes@gmail.com
Founded	2004
Dissolved	2009
Location	Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
Language	English
Services Offered	DIY Repair Services Mobile Repair Services Earn-A-Bike Services Workshops Group Rides Bicycle Advocacy Women and Trans Programs
Mission Statement	To own and/or operate as owner or lessee or in other capacity no-cost bicycle repair facilities for the benefit of the general community. To receive donated bicycles and related goods for the purpose of assisting the community to repair and refurbish said bicycles at no or low cost. This may include, but is not limited to, distributions made in cooperation with organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code. To educate and assist community members in the repair, maintenance, and use of bicycles. To promote bicycling as an integral part of livable and sustainable communities, thereby contributing to the overall health and well being of the community.
Other Contact Info	http://www.facebook.com/1304Bikes

1304 Bikes was a collectively-run non-profit organization in Raleigh, NC, committed to getting discarded bikes repaired, refurbished, and into the hands of those in our community who need them.

Contact Info

804 N West St Raleigh NC 27603

Volunteers are needed for a large assortment of shop-related tasks, and all skill levels are welcome. Donations of bikes, parts, tools, or funds are gratefully accepted and tax-deductible.

History

As Raleigh’s only non-profit bicycle program, past or present, 1304 bikes filled a unique niche in the bicycle community. Established in 2005, it was the only place where Raleigh residents, regardless of income, could earn a bicycle, find spare parts, use community tools, and receive repair instruction.

Over the years, the popularity of 1304 bikes grew and the organization became widely loved by the cycling community. 1304 bikes served a wide-spread and diverse cross section of the Raleigh population, including youth, college students, the homeless and cyclists of all walks. The number of shop users and Earn-a-Bike participants grew with each year we remained open, and we were on track in 2009 to have over 300 people complete the Earn-a-Bike program. Our busiest summer months would typically see 25-30 successful Earn-a-Bikers as well as up to 50 shop users during open hours. Our new space will allow us to continue the growth we had, as well as to reach new people and expand the programs and services that we offer.

Unfortunately in 2009, 1304 bikes was forced to cease operations due to improper zoning of the building we operated in. Between 2009 and 2013, little traction was made in finding a new shop space, especially one that was centrally located and affordable for a nonprofit with a meager income. At last though, the organization found a new space in downtown Raleigh, on N. West St. The space included 1,500 square feet of warehouse space, with the potential to expand in the future. Unfortunately, there is little further information online about the organization, so it is unclear if the shop was able to reopen, and if so, how long they operated in the space before closing once again. This wiki marked the organization as closed in 2021.

Services Offered

We do this mainly through our Earn-a-Bike program in which individuals fulfill volunteer hours in the shop, and then get assistance in building their own bike. (Our emphasis is on education; we do not build bikes and give them away.) This program is open to anyone wishing to participate, free of charge. Our extensive stock of parts and specialized professional-quality tools is also available to anyone wishing to repair their own bike during shop hours. Although the Earn-a-Bike program is our primary focus, we occasionally offer instructional workshops, host ride events, and make donations to other local organizations.