Volunteer for Free Bike Repair and Safety Check Training Event

Volunteer Bike Mechanics: Fix bikes and teach their owners how what is being fixed. All levels of experience are welcome. If you don’t have any experience fixing bikes but want to learn, sign up and we will partner you with an experienced mechanic. It’s a great way to get hands-on learning!

General Volunteers: Set up the event, take down the event, check-in clients, and hand out snacks.

League Cycling Instructor: Collect repair tickets, teach ABC Quick Check, do a super quick overview of the LCI Need to Know, give out the VTA bike maps, and a final pitch to persuade the client to become an SVBC member. Actually, all volunteers should encourage clients to become SVBC members -- SVBC is key for making biking safer, improving health, and solving climate change.

Venue: The parking lot across from Walt's Cycle (Map). The nearest public bathrooms are at Target or Off the Rails Brewery. Our intention is to have all volunteers in the shade under a canopy tent or tree. Here is a map of how we plan to set up the event. Red = Registration tent, blue = Mechanic stations, green = Check out tent.

How it works: When a client arrives at the registration tent, a Greeter will give them a paper ticket and direct them to one of the mechanics. Clients should make sure not to lose their tickets during the event because that is how we count how many bikes we fixed. The client will arrive at a mechanic station and the mechanic will evaluate what needs to be fixed on the bike with the client’s help. The client should stay with the mechanic as their bike is being fixed. The mechanic will explain what they are doing with the bike. Mechanics will do basic repairs, such as fixing/replacing brakes & cables, fixing flat tires, repairing/replacing chains, adjusting seats, adjusting handlebars, and aligning derailleurs. If a bike requires more complicated repairs or if work takes more than 1 hour, refer the client to a bike shop. We encourage mechanics to collaborate with each other as need be. If a new bike part is needed, tell the client to go across the street to Walt’s Cycle and buy it. Remind the client that their ticket also serves as a 10% off coupon for the day. After their bike is fixed, and direct them to the Check Out canopy, where they will be taught the ABC Quick Check.

All volunteers should bring:

• Mask
• Personal hand sanitizer
• Water bottle
• Food/lunch for yourself

Mechanics should also bring:

• Repair stand (if you have a spare, please bring it. We have a mechanic or 2 who might need to borrow it)
• Tools/supplies you don't mind lending out
• Air pump
• Canopy for shade (if possible)
• Table for your own use (if possible)
• Chair for your own use (optional)
• Your own lubricants

If you need a tool that you do not have during the event, verbally ask a fellow mechanic to borrow one.

Things that will be provided by us:

A few air pumps, a waste container, disposable latex gloves, a bucket with water to test tubes for holes, vulcanizing rubber cement & patches, a variety of lubricants, rags, paper towels, hand sanitizer, and name tags.

We will follow all county health guidelines to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep everyone safe by asking everyone to:

• Maintain 6'+ physical distance when possible
• Wear a mask (unless you have been vaccinated)
• Stay home if you are ill

Note: If there is significant rain, this event will be rescheduled. We will notify you if this happens.

For pictures of previous events, click here.

Host or Publisher Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition