The Bike Rehab ministry is a volunteer group whose mission is to collect, refurbish and distribute safe, used bicycles through charity and non-profit partners, to children and adults in need of transportation and/or recreation.
Among the participants, working and serving together fosters a sense of fellowship and community.
You never know how a ministry will be born. This ministry was not envisioned and developed by a group of bike riders and enthusiasts, but by a group who prepared breakfast each month for individuals joining our church. It started with “Let’s put our small change in a coffee can each month and at the end of the year buy a bike for charity”. Two months later it was “Do you suppose we could collect some used bikes, fix them up, and give them to LifeWise STL” – (a partner organization in St. Louis inner city). Within three months, 60 bikes had been donated to the agency. Since our start in the year 2000, over 12,000 bikes have been given to children and adults who are served through our partner charity agencies.
About Bike Rehab Volunteers
Join Our Bike Rehab Volunteer Team!
Love bikes? Love helping others? Bike Rehab is powered by volunteers like you! No experience needed—we’ll train you and provide all the tools.
Ways You Can Help:
The Bike House – 201 Creve Coeur Ave., Manchester, MO
- Tues & Thurs: 8 a.m. – Noon
- Sat: Noon – 3 p.m.
- 2nd Sat: 8 a.m. – Noon
Ways to be a part of Bike Rehab
Mechanic: Repair bikes (training provided!)
Cleaner: Polish and shine bikes
Test Rider: Ensure bikes ride smoothly
Charity Liaison: Coordinate bike distribution
Inventory & Sales: Organize parts, fit riders with bikes
Marketing: Share our story online
Gardening & Hospitality: Keep our space welcoming
Volunteer Requirements:
- Must be 18+
- Sign in when you arrive
Ready to make a difference? Email us at [email protected] to get started!
Our Core Values
Accountability
- Support the mission of Bike Rehab and our calling to serve others with empathy
- Work collaboratively toward our mission
- Embrace learning, growth, mentoring, and teaching
- Do my part—and go beyond when possible
Integrity
- Be honest, trustworthy, and reliable
- Communicate transparently and often
- Commit to excellence in all we do
- Take responsibility for our words and actions
Respect
- Support fellow volunteers and leadership with kindness, patience, and respect
- Celebrate and value one another’s differences
- Listen to understand
- Communicate with grace and compassion
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How Bike rehab works
How Bike Rehab Works
We receive many generous bicycle donations in our 24/7 bike corral next to the Bike House. Thanks to our amazing community, we’re able to give these bikes a new life for those in need.
Step 1: Evaluation
Every donated bicycle is assessed to determine if it can be restored to excellent condition within reasonable limits of cost and volunteer time.
Step 2: Tag & Check
Each usable bike is tagged with details such as make, model, type, tire size, and any needed repairs or adjustments. On average, it costs about $30 to rehab a bicycle—this includes a helmet! Additional costs cover tools, replacement parts, and cleaning supplies.
Step 3: Repair & Clean
A volunteer mechanic repairs the bike, then it’s thoroughly cleaned and polished by another volunteer.
Step 4: Test Ride & Inspection
A test rider ensures the bike rides smoothly, followed by a final inspection from a mechanic.
Step 5: Ready for a New Home
Once approved, the bike is added to our inventory for distribution through partner charity agencies. Our volunteer liaison coordinates with these partners to deliver bikes to individuals in need.
Note: Bike Rehab does not give bicycles directly to individuals; we work exclusively with charity partners.
Join the Movement!
All Bike Rehab workers are volunteers who love bringing miles of smiles to people in need. No experience required! We provide training, mentoring, and all the tools you need.
Bike RehaB Partner Agencies
DONATION & FINANCIAL SUPPORT
To donate bikes, drop them off at the Bike House, 201 Creve Coeur Ave, Manchester, MO (across from the Church parking lot.) Follow signs to the drop off area to the left of the house. It is open 24/7 for your convenience. If you have any questions, you can reach us via email at [email protected]
The Bike Rehab ministry offers bicycles in “like new” condition for sale/ donation to help fund the expenses of this ministry.
Stop by the Bike House to see our current inventory and to take a test ride. We are open for test rides and bicycle fittings on Tuesday & Thursday 8am-12pm and Saturdays 12pm-3pm.
The average cost to rehab a bicycle is $30.00, which includes a helmet. Other expenses include tools, bicycle stands, replacement parts, and cleaning supplies.
Beginning in July 2017, some creative volunteers began to use parts from retired bicycles to make lamps, bicycle hangers, bicycle racks, and colorful yard sculptures. The volunteers are currently making snow people, penguins, holiday ornaments, clocks, wind yard spinners and other cool projects out of used bicycle parts. Anyone can take a piece of this fun art home for a suggested donation to Bike Rehab. Stop by the Bike House on volunteer workdays to visit the art center area.
There is always room for more creativity, so join us as a volunteer to create bike art.
Other Information
The Bike Rehab Ministry started a partnership with the Muny in 2021. The Ministry provides and maintains bicycles for the Muny cast and crew, helping them enjoy an earth-friendly commute to and from the theatre in beautiful Forest Park. Next time you find yourself at a Muny show, check your Playbill for a Bike Rehab ad!
If you have any questions, you can reach us via email at [email protected]
- Manchester United Methodist Church 636.394.7506
- Read our article on How to Start a Bicycle Rehab Ministry
- Watch our Video
historical bike rehab news
25th Anniversary Celebration
2024 commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Bike Rehab Ministry. Over the past quarter century, the ministry has repaired bicycles and generously supplied them to more than 30 charitable organizations, helping individuals in need. On September 15th, Bike Rehab warmly welcomed everyone to visit the Bike House for an Open House. Over 200 people attended and had an opportunity to tour the house, meet all the amazing volunteers, and gain insight into the remarkable work of the ministry.
Bike Rehab Honored
On Feb. 21, the Bike Rehab ministry was honored at the City of Manchester board meeting and received a Mayoral Proclamation for the work done by dedicated volunteers for the last 23 years, resulting in the donation of the 10,000th bike.
Bike Rehab Celebrates the Donation of It's 10,000th Bike
Bike Rehab celebrates giving away 10,000 bikes over its 23 year history. The bike representing 10,000 was displayed at the Ministry Kiosk in the Manchester UMC Lobby on Sunday, Jan. 29.
Bike Rehab Featured on Fox 2
On March 7, 2022, the Manchester UMC Bike Rehab ministry was featured on Fox 2 with Tim Ezell. This is a group that receives bikes as donations, then cleans and repairs them. This ministry works with a number of local nonprofit organizations who receive our bikes and distribute them to those in need. Children and youth can experience the joy of riding, while adults have the option of using the bikes as transportation to and from their jobs.
Landscaping to Bike House made possible by Bike Rehab’s volunteer, Tina Donahue
A garden in memory of Tina Donahue was recently planted at the Bike House. In 2017, Tina moved to St. Louis and immediately embraced the mission of Bike Rehab and the Bike Rehab’s members lovingly embraced Tina. The Bike House Garden was donated by Mary Corwin in memory of her sister, Christina (Tina) Donahue. We feel honored to have had Tina as part of the Bike Rehab team.