Dream Bikes, a brat, and a beer

It must have been around five years ago when I was working at a food pantry in Madison. Toward the end of work that night I asked Mike, the pantry manager, if there was anything that I could do to help out. "Well John, what these people really need is a job," Mike replied. "If I could do anything to wave a magic wand, it would be to open businesses near this neighborhood."

For the past few years I had been thinking about all the bikes that sit in garages of homes in really nice neighborhoods, not being used, and what it would take to get those bikes into the hands of kids who've never had a chance to own a bicycle. Put those two ideas together and we get Dream Bikes, the used bicycle store we helped open in a underserved neighborhood of Madison. Trek got the ball rolling and the local Boys & Girls Club joined forces to find the right kids.

Three years later we've sold thousands of used bikes to people who need them, and most importantly we have provided around 50 jobs to kids who needed a good job experience, a safe place to work, some money, and a lot of pride in a job well done. The Madison store has been such a success, we opened a store in Milwaukee. Next spring Dream Bikes #3 opens in Chicago. Once again changing the world with the bicycle.

On Monday the 22nd Tania and I are hosting the first annual Bike Drive at the house. Bring your bike to donate and stop by for a brat and a beer from 6-8. Bikes are the life blood of Dream Bikes and Dream Bikes needs bikes!!  If you don’t have a bike please join us and make a $25 donation to Dream Bikes. If you can't make it and want to help, send a direct donation to:

DreamBikes - Madison
4245 W. Beltline Highway
Madison, WI 53711

Jb

Comments

[Burt Steffes]

Would it be possible to drop a bike off earlier. I will be in town for business earlier in the day and could drop one off. My dad had a trek that doesn't get used. He lost his life in a car accident and it has sat ever since. He used to service an account at trek and was proud of your product.

[JB]

Hi Burt, thank you for your note. You can drop off the bike anytime at the Dream Bikes location at 4245 W. Beltline Highway. They are open 10-7 on weekdays and 9-6 on Saturday.

[Steve]

Great program. Interested in a B-Cycle program or Dream Bikes (or both?!?!) in Philly?

[Jenny]

Dream Bikes is a great idea with a wonderful purpose of helping kids who do not have bike own one. I wish your business the best.

[3 Wheel Bikes For Adults]

What a great idea. That's what I call a win-win. Congratulations on coming up with this idea to get bikes into the hands of those who need them but cannot afford them. Love that the local community's kids work at the Dream Bikes shops too giving them employment as well s the opportunity to own a bicycle.Really a great idea.

[peng]

Having a bike was one of our dreams when we were young, now bikes can help kids to make their dream come true. It's so great!