Organization Description
Cycles for Change is a nonprofit organization working at the intersection of social justice and the bicycle movement. We are grounded in the values of equity, justice, inclusion, and self-empowerment. We believe it is essential to establish gender equity and safer spaces for underrepresented and marginalized people on bikes. Cycles for Change centers femme, trans, women, and gender non-conforming peoples; Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; and youth within our work.
Our goal is to create platforms that authentically cultivate leadership development and social consciousness through bicycles and community involvement. Cycles for Change implements a variety of programs to accomplish our goal. Face-to-face connection and creating a welcoming environment are central to all of our programs.
Organization History
1996
Cycles for Change is built on the legal charter of the Yellow Bike Coalition (YBC). YBC was founded in 1996 as an early bike share system in St. Paul.
2001
In 2001, the Sibley Bike Depot was founded. Sibley Bike Depot was a commuter hub providing support to commuters in downtown St. Paul. The Sibley Bike Depot was a supportive partnering organization in the early Minnesota effort to build a state-wide bicycle and pedestrian advocacy group.
2007
In 2007, the Sibley Bike Depot dropped the statewide advocacy component of their mission and refocused on building a community organization to engage and empower low-income communities and communities of color with access and education around bicycling and bike maintenance.
2008
In 2008, Sibley Bike Depot moved from its downtown St. Paul location to the vibrant, diverse Frogtown neighborhood in March 2008.
2012
February 2012, the Sibley Bike Depot became Cycles for Change. The organization felt that the name Cycles for Change more closely embodied the organization’s vision for utilizing the bicycle as a tool for community building, leadership development, and progressive social change.
2015
Cycles for Change expanded in size to having two official community shops with the acquisition of the Spokes Bike Walk Connect bike center. Cycles for Change St. Paul was a supporting partner launching Spokes in 2012. Cycles for Change Minneapolis is located in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis.
2017
In August 2017, Cycles for Change’s Minneapolis location move to 2010 26th Ave. S. in the Seward neighborhood. This move created the perfect opportunity for a Minneapolis retail operation to sell used bikes and new and used parts. Our Community Open Shop and Grease Rag programs continue to thrive in this nicer, updated space in a more accessible location.