GET INVOLVED
Visit our shop
Franklinton Cycle Works is your friendly neighborhood bike shop! FCW is what’s known as a non-profit social enterprise. As a non-profit, we’re mission-driven and grounded in our values of empowerment and community building. As a social enterprise, we strive to be financially self-sustaining.
The best way to see what we’re all about is to stop by! We’re open 12 to 5 Tuesday through Saturday.
donate to FCW
Support Affordable, Sustainable Transportation
Franklinton Cycle Works is more than just a bike shop—we're a community hub where people connect, learn, and ride. Your donation helps provide affordable bikes, education, and resources to those who rely on cycling for transportation. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected neighborhood—one bike at a time.
Donate today and keep our community moving!
DONATE A BIKE, PARTS, OR ACCESSORIES
FCW also depends on donated bicycles. These bicycles are an invaluable resource at the shop and will be used in our Earn-a-Bike program for the homeless and working poor or for sale to supplement program expenses. We also appreciate the donation of bike helmets, locks, lights, and any other bike component or accessory you may want to donate. We hope to make these much needed accessories available to those who can’t normally afford them. You can bring your donations to the shop any time we’re open and we’ll happily provide a donation receipt.
And of course, we’re always in need of rags! Old t-shirts cut up into roughly the size of a piece of paper make great rags.
TAKE A STAND
AND HELP OUR
COMMUNITY
![FCW-Illustrations [Recovered]-54.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3a9ff9_c8f40d49e223441d8cee0e9a281b2ddb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_662,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/FCW-Illustrations%20%5BRecovered%5D-54.png)
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
By volunteering at Franklinton Cycle Works, you earn store credit which can be put towards purchases of parts in the shop. Even if you’re not working towards a trade, consider becoming a volunteer at FCW after being trained in bike repair. Or participate in one of our community event nights to lend a hand with a particular project.
To begin, fill out the survey linked below by clicking on the “Become a Volunteer” button so we have your information. Next, plan to attend Volunteer Orientation, which takes place every Tuesday evening at 6:30 PM during Volunteer Night to learn more and connect with other volunteers.
VOLUNTEER NIGHT
A community bicycle shop is different from a regular bicycle shop. Around here, bike repair is a cooperative effort rather than a way to make money. What we’re doing isn’t just about building bikes. It’s about building relationships and bringing a community together. Our shop space, stands, and tools are available free of cost for anyone who wants to work on his or her bike. And volunteer mechanics are on hand to share their knowledge and experience.
FCW is a place of co-working and co-learning. We believe everyone has something to learn and something to offer which means no matter who you are, you have a place at FCW. Together, we're building more connected, more empowered individuals and a more vibrant neighborhood.
THOUSANDS OF COLUMBUS RESIDENTS STRUGGLE TO GET WHERE THEY NEED TO GO DAILY
FCW BELIEVES THAT EVERYONE AND EVERY INTERACTION IS VALUABLE
BECOME A MEMBER
We’re helping Columbus folks stay employed, get an education, or visit with friends and family by overcoming transportation barriers through affordable access to bikes and bike repair!
Transportaion is vital. Transportation Insecurity is closely associated with chronic poverty, and 1 in 5 of our Columbus neighbors currently live below the poverty line. This means the majority of them don’t have reliable access to transportation. Without transportation, finding and maintaining a job becomes an insurmountable task.
For many, a bicycle can provide a way forward.
Despite cycling being the primary mode of transportation for many people across the county, studies show that 60% of low-income residents report bicycle costs to be the primary barrier to cycling, while another 25% report the costs of repairs to be a major obstacle.
This is why Franklinton Cycle Works exists.
Franklinton Cycle Works proudly provides the space, parts, tools, and knowledge to offer our neighbors affordable access to two wheels. We want to empower all of Columbus to take advantage of the benefits of biking while building a strong, tightly-knit biking community.
ANNUAL
MEMBERSHIP
By becoming a member, you agree to abide by FCW's Code Of Conduct while in the shop.
Here's what an annual membership gets you:
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Free access to professional grade stands and tools
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Free use of greases and lubricants
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Access to Bike School classes and other events
Transportation is opportunity and cycling is a right. That's why the membership fee is waived for everyone who makes less than 150% of the federal poverty level.
If your household makes less than what's listed in the 150% column, use the promo code "PEDALON" to waive the membership fee.
Because Membership to FCW is free to everyone who wants it, a membership purchase is a tax deductible donation, and a way of supporting FCW’s mission to help everyone get where they need to go by two wheels.
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE STATS
Last year, FCW provided 5,000 person hours of free bicycle repair help and education. In total 3,500 trips were made by Columbus residents to FCW for assistance, parts, or use of the space. That’s an average of 14 visits to FCW every single day we’re open. FCW also participated in various programs to gift free bicycles to 70 low-income residents and hopes to do much more in 2023.
BUT THERE'S MORE
WORK TO BE DONE...
MAKE A FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION
There are many ways to become involved and support the community at FCW. One way is to make a donation. FCW is structured to provide benefit to Columbus and its residents rather than to turn a profit, which is why we need your help.
If you believe in the mission of FCW and want to support our many charitable programs, please consider making a donation today or set up a repeating donation to keep the gears turning. Thanks!
Not a fan of online payments but want to contribute?
Checks can be made out to Franklinton Cycle Works and mailed to 897 West Broad Street Columbus OH 43222.
DONATE A BIKE, PARTS, OR ACCESSORIES
FCW also depends on donated bicycles. These bicycles are an invaluable resource at the shop and will be used in our Earn-a-Bike program for the homeless and working poor or for sale to supplement program expenses. We also appreciate the donation of bike helmets, locks, lights, and any other bike component or accessory you may want to donate. We hope to make these much needed accessories available to those who can’t normally afford them. You can bring your donations to the shop any time we’re open and we’ll happily provide a donation receipt.
And of course, we’re always in need of rags! Old t-shirts cut up into roughly the size of a piece of paper make great rags.
DONATE YOUR TIME
And of course, we could always use your donated time! Consider becoming a volunteer at FCW after being trained in bike repair. Or participate in one of our community event nights to lend a hand with a particular project.
OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT
FRANKLINTON CYCLE WORKS
BE A CORPORATE SPONSOR
If this mission resonates with you, we invite you to become a corporate partner of Franklinton Cycle Works! This partnership speaks volumes for your brand as you invest in the community and help Columbus build transportation equity. Corporate support allows us to be proactive, growing to meet the needs of tomorrow rather than reacting to the needs of today.
FCW hopes to secure $60,000 in corporate support annually. We also look forward to offering volunteer opportunities and board positions to employees of corporate partners.
SHOP IN STORE
Looking for the perfect place to satisfy all your cycling needs? Look no further because FCW has got you covered! FCW functions as a community resource center and a full-service retail bike shop offering one of the city's best refurbished and used bike selections. We make it easy to find the perfect ride - and what's more, you'll also find a great range of accessories to ensure you stay safe and comfy on your wheels.
Don't have the time or skill to fix your bike? No problem! Entrust your precious ride to one of the city's finest mechanics right here at FCW! So give FCW a spin and support a great cause while you're at it!
You can also preview our current inventory online! All refurbished bicycle purchases require an in-shop pick-up. If you are interested in one of our available bikes, please make an online down payment (non-refundable) and come into the shop with your proof of payment. This amount will be deducted from the total price at the moment of final sale.
SHARE ON SOCIAL
Inspire people to share their love of biking by capturing your ride experiences, posting captivating snapshots, and tagging us along the way. Follow Franklinton Cycle Works for updates about our shop, events, and seasonal bike information. This could be an amazing way to promote our message and bring the community together!