Bird City Bike Coop ministry draws its power from the hope of the gospel – a stretching out toward justice. This gospel fights for the mobility and dignity of our neighbors and friends, providing them with a vital service that has the potential to change lives. The Bird City Bike Coop is God’s love on wheels. Roll on. (Christopher Schouten, March 15, 2026)
Word has spread about the Coop. Most of our neighbors receiving bicycles filled out a request for a bike as they pick up lunch bags at the church food pantry. This week 'Justin' picked up a lunch and said that he used the bike he received from us earlier to get a job and also to find housing. Another neighbor reported that he is using his bike to deliver Door Dash and makes $400.00 per week. Since receiving his bike 2 months ago, he has made 120 deliveries. 'Justin' described securing 2 boxes of donuts and carefully holding coffee steady while driving one-handed. He also said if he had a bike trailer he could cater events. While we have been able to repair and give away a few bike trailers, we receive very few donated ones.
'Jesse' asked us for a bike because his wife is 7 months pregnant and he has a 2 mile walk to a part time job and 1.5 mile walk to the grocery store. UMOM helped him and his wife move from living on the street to an apartment. First Church provided a bike and bike trailer. We texted him: “Did you get the trailer put together and attach it to your bike?” 'Jesse': “I did thank u so much for everything y'all have done for us the bike is amazing - it cruises like a Cadillac 😆”
Another neighbor explained that he has an hour walk to work at 5 am. He cleans the platforms for the light rail. With his bike, he makes it in 15 minutes.
We have 32 people on the waiting list for bikes and since last Jan. 1, we have distributed approximately 30. Our neighbors are concerned about having their bikes stolen and getting stopped by the police for driving at night without lights. When possible we also provide U-locks (cost to us varies: $13 - $20) and rechargeable front and rear lights ($18). Contributions from the congregation have helped fund these items. Neighbors roll their bikes to the church and tell us they need tires, tubes, patch kits, new wheels and so on. Bike Saviors, Tempe, has partnered with us to provide some of these accessories.
We have developed a partnership with Shade Tree bicycles on Cave Creek. Occasionally we receive donations of higher-end road bicycles. Chris, the owner, will take these in for resale and provide us with two or more serviceable used mountain bikes or cruisers in return. Thus, one donated bike can be exchanged to serve multiple recipients.
When our neighbors receive a bike, they most often say something like Jessica’s text: “Thank you for the bike it's wonderful 😊👍 God bless you.”
Designate your donation to the Bike Coop to get our community rolling on.
Want to learn more about the Bike Coop, email us for more information.
