Our Vision
Williamsport Bicycle Recycle began with an idea from our usual bike riding adventures. David could do simple repairs, but breakdowns meant finding help or walking. David’s Christmas present was a favorite – a complete bike tool kit. Later we began taking longer trips. That’s when we discovered the many non-profit community bike shops, talked with owners in PA and beyond, and investigated their benefits: recycling, low-cost cooperative bike repair, and reasonably priced bikes for sale.
In 2008 we helped the YMCA organize the Tour de Bill, a 15-mile ride through Williamsport. People liked getting out and seeing the town up close. After the rides, people approached us about low-cost bicycling. Williamsport had no bike shops that refurbished donated bikes so we decided to go ahead. The Y gave us some space. Donations and equipment rolled in. We sold a few bikes, gave some away, and gathered people to fix bikes.
When the Y decided to build a new building in 2013, we found space in the Pajama Factory on Park and Rose Streets. The Factory’s location was a good fit for us, near the Lycoming Creek Bike Path and in the center of a community of bike customers. The new owner was just beginning to renovate the space and the non-profit, Factory Works, allowed us to join. Our new location proved successful, and we began actively promoting our services in Williamsport and Lycoming County.
What truly distinguishes us from commercial shops is our non-profit, volunteer-based model. Our customers are not just buyers. They are active participants in the repair work on their own bikes. Some have become volunteers. Others have helped us promote our shop. Our bikes may not be the most beautiful, but they are rideable, and most importantly, safe. We sell many of them for a fraction of the cost, ranging from $20 to $140.
Four years later, we seized the opportunity to move to a larger, more visible space adjacent to the Rose Street parking lot with five large windows. Our volunteers and Penn College students renovated the space which had been a bridal shop. We made the move in December 2018. In April 2020, we moved our business outdoors and adjusted our hours to comply with the COVID-19 requirements.
We collaborated with other groups to sponsor bike rodeos, kids’ events for the City Recreation, and other non-profit groups. Our bike rodeo with STEP at the South Williamsport Senior Center attracted kids trying the obstacle course and talking with police officers. We gave classes for scout troops and expanded our personalized Build-a-Bike program.Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy members enjoyed two adult workshops. Working with the YMCA, churches and other family assistance groups, we gave bikes to people in need.
The vision that the two of us wrote when we first began at the old YMCA has not changed.Our mission remains the same: a place that offers reasonably priced refurbished bikes, with volunteers ready to assist you with repairs. When the new entrance is completed, we will have more visibility and easy access to shops. In 2024, we proudly celebrated our tenth year anniversary, a testament to our growth and commitment to the community.