Category: News

Movies, bikes & art with Yellow Bike and friends!

Let’s get together for a movie/s screening* and art viewing** at the Cloud Tree Studios & Gallery! Let’s ride*** together from Plaza Saltillo. Details below.

DATE: 12.20.2024 | DOORS OPEN: 7:00 PM | FILM: 8:00 PM

LOCATION: Cloud Tree Studios & Gallery at 3411 E 5th St.

BIKE RIDE FROM: Plaza Saltillo | 6:30 PM

HOSTS: Yellow Bike | Cloud Tree Studios & Gallery | Rocket Cinema Texas

ADMISSION: FREE

SPONSORS:

Tito’s Handmade Vodka [thank you for the beverage]
We will serve: Surprise Holiday themed cocktails with Tito’s Handmade Vodka

Black History Bike Ride [thank you for the movie!]
NPR: To Keep Austin’s Racial Justice Movement In Motion, One Man Got On His Bike. Hundreds Followed.

Bat City Biking [thank you for leading the ride!]
Casual rides in ATX ranging from mild to somewhat spicy.

*MOVIE/S SCREENING

“The Route To Emancipation” | By Black History Bike Ride | 2024 | 17 min.

“The Route To Emancipation” by Black History Bike Ride follows 3 friends as they embark on a 350 mile cycling route from the Texas Capitol in Austin to the site where Juneteenth began in 1865. The journey takes viewers back through centuries of Black history in Texas, with interviews from educators, historians, and community leaders along the way.”

“The Triplets of Belleville” | By Sylvain Chomet | 2003 | 80 minutes

A 2003 animated adventure comedy-drama film written and directed by Sylvain Chomet. It tells the story of Madame Souza, an elderly woman who goes on a quest to rescue her grandson Champion, a Tour de France cyclist, who has been kidnapped by the French mafia for gambling purposes and taken to the city of Belleville She is accompanied by Champion’s loyal and obese hound, Bruno, and joined by the Triplets of Belleville, music hall singers from the 1930s, whom she meets in the city.

**ART VIEWING

A great opportunity to dive into the “Enantiodromia: Lorelei Linklater” exhibition. Opening Reception: Saturday, December 7, 6 – 10 PM (On View: December 7 – January 7).

***BIKE RIDE TO THE EVENT

Ride led by Bat City Biking. Ride from: Plaza Saltillo at 6:30 PM

HOSTS:

Yellow Bike

An Austin based community bike shop and nonprofit.

Cloud Tree Studios & Gallery

The space’s mission is to be a vibrant and diverse cultural location and warm gathering place to not only showcase great work, but provide an affordable venue for performance, community and other celebrations.

Rocket Cinema Texas

Rocket Cinema works with schools, film festivals, outdoor venues, and anyone that wants to show a movie outside.

Do you remember your first bike and the joy it gave? 

Let’s spread the joy of a bicycle gift during the holiday season while empowering children through cycling and promoting active healthy lifestyles and environmentally responsible means of transportation!

Our Holiday Kids’ Bike Giveaway is an annual event that aims to deliver bikes to children who would not otherwise have them. In 2023 we gave away 310 bicycles to kids from low-income families. Let’s give away even more this year!

There are few things more rewarding than seeing a child’s smile as they select their new bike. Many parents wish for bikes for their children but have to prioritize other needs instead. Learn how you can help make their wish come true!

Please consider a donation if you can. 

Help us get bikes out into the community!

We have regularly scheduled kids’ bike giveaways, and you can learn some bike mechanic skills while helping us put smiles on faces!

Bikes Have the Right to Children!

Come and help us if you can, every week (starting October 23 and until November 22) from Wednesday to Friday: 12 PM – 4 PM.

Reserve your spot through our CALENDAR.

This workshop is ONLY for Earn-A-Bike participants who have completed step 1 and have already selected a bike to refurbish for themselves. This workshop provides a focused opportunity to receive more assistance in a less populated environment to get your bike ready to ride.

We request that you transport your Earn-A-Bike to and from the shop. If this is not possible, please let your host know.

 Earn-a-Bike checklist.

The workshops are offered on selected Sundays from 2 PM – 5 PM. Check our CALENDAR for details.

Reservations are required and open 2 weeks before the actual workshop date.

HOSTS: Cody

Thank you for showing up for us in our time of need. We raised $10,627 through the GoFundMe campaign, which will cover the losses for our stolen bikes.

We are grateful for all your kind words and generosity! We would also like to express our gratitude to the sponsors of our BIKE MONTH campaign: Mesa Rim Austin, Crux Climbing Center & Veblen Pedicab.

Kudos to: Magnifico, Buttercup & Croy and the Boys for playing at the YELLOW BIKE 27th BIRTHDAY BENEFIT CONCERT last Friday, to Hotel Vegas for hosting us and to all our volunteers for showing up when help is needed!

And last, but not least, big thanks to our partners collaborating with us last month: @CasaMarianella, @CapMetroATX , @FiestaAustin, @GhisalloCyclingInitiative, @Movability, @RideBikesAustin, @SundayCruiseATX. We are looking forward to our further collaboration!

Photos taken by Matthew Blissard at YELLOW BIKE 27th BIRTHDAY BENEFIT CONCERT on May 31, 2024. Thank you, Mathew for wonderful pictures!

On Saturday, June 8th, from 8-10 am, Join Shoal Creek Conservancy, Austin’s Yellow Bike Project, Ghisallo Cycling Initiative , and Austin Watershed for a beginner-friendly Shoal Creek Bike Tour! This will be a perfect opportunity to learn more about the City of Austin’s growing network of alternative transportation routes, the Shoal Creek watershed, and how to get involved with Ghisallo and Yellow Bike!

Where: Congregation Beth Israel (parking lot)

3901 Shoal Creek Blvd, Austin, TX 78756

Participants must bring their own bikes and helmets. The 10-mile route is entirely on paved surfaces and includes some elevation changes and multiple stops for discussions, water breaks, and bicycle safety tips such as proper helmet use, signaling, and navigating bike lanes safely.

Remember to bring water and snacks if needed. All ages are welcome with supervision.

Interested? Register today via bit.ly/4cH38dH

When riding on the road, remember to Texas Department of Transportation

Ride in a straight line, single file, in the same direction as traffic.

Obey all traffic signs and signals.

Stop and look left-right-left for traffic before entering a street.

Bikers should use bike lanes whenever available.

WHEN: June 8 | 8 AM – 10:00 AM 

WHERE: Start/End: Congregation Beth Israel

Legendary yellow bikes, Bikes Not Bombs, Pete’s stolen bike and other grassroots beginnings – A.K.A. how it all began…

Walk into Yellow Bike Project on Webberville Road on any given day and you’ll likely run into Pete; helping a volunteer, answering questions and generally hanging out to help wherever he can. He’s a busy guy, attested to by his half-finished bowl of granola and strawberries I noticed on a recent stop to buy a bike. We were there for over an hour and he never got a chance to finish the granola!

Pete is unassuming and generates a relaxed chill energy, just the kind of vibe you need at a community organization mostly staffed by volunteers. And the kind of vibe I’ve come to expect in Austin.

In 1996 a group of volunteers started a chapter of “Bikes not Bombs” in Austin. Bikes not Bombs originated in Boston in 1984 as a way to show solidarity with Nicaragua. Many other chapters of Bikes not Bombs popped up in the US in the following years. This idea was to give small bike shops a chance to thrive and get used bikes into the hands of people who needed simple transportation. 

The Boston chapter of Bikes not Bombs gathered donations and sent them to Nicaragua. Eventually the Nicaraguan government stopped funding the program. As the donated bikes piled up in Austin it was decided to find a place to manage and release the large volume of donated bikes. And so it happened; the Yellow Bike Project was born. There were about a dozen volunteers who took on the task to refurbish the donated bikes for use locally.

The Austin bikes for giveaway were all single-speed bikes. A plan was put in place to paint them all yellow making them easily recognizable. Stickers were applied to each bike that read “Free to ride but not to keep”, but that didn’t matter. The yellow bikes were placed on street corners and disappeared almost as quickly as they were dropped off. There was obviously a need, and it was being met by this dedicated group of volunteers.

In the mid-90’s Pete had ridden his bike from his home in Massachusetts to Austin with a plan to winter here. He stayed with a friend and during that stay someone stole Pete’s bike! While searching for a new bike Pete discovered Bikes not Bombs and started volunteering for them. 

In January of 1997 the first ‘yellow’ bikes were released for community use. In May of that year Pete finished his goal of riding to the west coast. He decided to return to Austin in September of 1997, drawn back to Austin by the mission and work of Yellow Bike Project. When he returned, he saw the yellow single speed bikes all around town. Seeing those bikes on his return to Austin he thought, “Wow they are really doing this – I need to stay involved.”

Eventually Yellow Bike Project had to move due to Austin’s need for the space they occupied. So in 2013 they moved to 51^st Street and shared space with the Fire Station. A few years later there was progress in the city and Yellow Bike Project needed a new space. So Yellow Bike Project went to the Urban Transportation department with a pitch to get free space from Austin. The city was onboard with the Mission of Yellow Bike Project to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle so they offered three plots of land and Yellow Bike Project chose their current location on Webberville Road. Now that they had land it was time to build a structure.

Yellow Bike Project already had $200,000 but needed another $100,000. The Webberville Rd. location opened in May 2010 with a bit of debt. Crowdfunding was started to raise the remainder of funds needed. In two and a half years the lenders were paid back and by the end of 2012 Yellow Bike Project was debt free!

There have never been business sponsors, and this is by design. Yellow Bike Project relies solely on the kindness of the community via donations of cash and bicycles and accessories, and the knowledge and commitment of their many volunteers.

Amateur bicycle mechanics had incorporated the Yellow Bike Project in the summer of 1997. Until the Fall of 2013 Yellow Bike Project was completely run by volunteers. There is now a paid staff of nine; both full-time and part-time, with Pete as Manager.

Do you have a bike you no longer need? Or maybe bicycle accessories? Yellow Bike Project will take donations in any condition – part of the mission is to reuse as much as possible.

Monetary donations are greatly appreciated as well. Currently about 86% of operating revenue is from the sale of refurbished bikes. Last year Yellow Bike Project sold 514 bikes. Pete’s dream is to one day to not have to generate income like this, but to have enough cash flow through donations to just give bikes away to those in need in the community. In 2023 Yellow Bike Project gave a combined 1185 bikes to kids and adults. That’s a lot of folks served by this bustling shop of dedicated employees and volunteers.

When I asked Pete “What is your absolute favorite thing about Yellow Bike?” he said, “It has given my life purpose by doing good for other people, for the environment, and for the city of Austin”. 

I’d say the City of Austin is lucky to have Yellow Bike and all the employees and volunteers; and especially a guy like Pete.

By Patti Stauss

Celebrate Bike Month with Yellow Bike and our community partners! Advocate for safer streets with our postcard campaign, join us for bike rides and other outdoor events. And last, but not least, come to our benefit concert on May 31 at Hotel Vegas! Most importantly – get on a bike, and if you don’t have one yet – get it from us! Happy Bike Month Y’ALL!

SAFER STREETS POSTCARD CAMPAIGN

WHEN: May 1 – May 31

WHERE: Mesa Rim & CRUX climbing centers

Advocate for safer streets with our postcard campaign! Grab a “Yellow Bike” postcard from Mesa Rim or CRUX climbing centers and put your name on it. The postcard is already addressed to the Austin City Council and stamped. You can find the postcards throughout Bike Month at:

• Mesa Rim Austin
• Crux Climbing Center

May is National Bike Month, let’s celebrate with safer streets!

CLIMB & SUPPORT EQUITY IN TRANSPORTATION:

• During Bicycle Month every Saturday, 10% of Mesa Rim Austin day pass sales goes to Yellow Bike!
• Yellow Bike 27th Birthday Benefit Concert: first 50 TICKETS* receive a free day pass to Crux Climbing Center!

Brought to you by: Yellow Bike

Sponsored by: Mesa Rim Austin & Crux Climbing Center

*TICKET SALE starts on May 1 HERE.

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ED WENDLER AWARD

WHEN: May 2 | 7:10 PM

WHERE: Online

On May 2 Yellow Bike will be awarded the Ed Wendler Award for Outstanding Service to the Immigrant Community by Casa Marianella! Join us for a live streaming at 7:10 PM online.

Brought to you by Casa Marianella

Supported by: Yellow Bike

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CINCO DE MAYO BY FIESTA AUSTIN

WHEN: May 4 | 1 PM – 10 PM

WHERE: 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St, Austin, TX 78702

Fiesta Austin presents Cinco De Mayo at Fiesta Gardens in Austin, TX. Showcasing 40+ Vendors, Spinners Turkey Legs, Burgers, Tacos, Dancing with Destiny, Cornhole Tournament, Kids Zone and more! Yellow Bike will be there & so should you! DETAILS: fiestaaustin.org.

Brought to you by Fiesta Austin

Supported by: Yellow Bike

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BIKE TO WORK DAY

WHEN: May 17 | 7 AM – 9 AM

WHERE: 4550 Mueller Blvd (at the edge of Mueller Lake Park)

Join the national celebration of bicycle commuting during Bike To Work Day on May 17, 7 AM – 9 AM. Find us (Yellow Bike) at 4550 Mueller Blvd (at the edge of Mueller Lake Park) fueling station.

Brought to you by Ghisallo Cycling Initiative

Fueling station by: Movability

Supported by: Yellow Bike

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MetroBike COMMUNITY GROUP RIDE

WHEN: May 18 | 12:00 PM ~ 1:30 PM

WHERE: Start/End: Plaza Saltillo at 1501 E 5th St., Austin, TX 78702

The full return trip ride is ~10 miles with a short restroom/water break at mile 5. There will be an option to break-off at MLK Station about 3 miles in. We should be back at Plaza Saltillo around 1:30PM. All wheels are welcome, and all are encouraged to bring protective gear.

Brought to you by CAP Metro & RBA

Supported by: Yellow Bike

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SOCIAL BIKE RIDE & CONVIVIO

WHEN: May 26 | Bike ride: 12 PM – 3:30 PM | Convivio: 6 PM – 8 PM

WHERE: Start/End: Casa Marianella

BIKE RIDE TO MONTOPOLIS BEEACH: UNDER THE BRIDGE & BACK | 12 PM – 3:30 PM

Beginner friendly slow-paced ride from Casa Marianella to Montopolis Beach (under the bridge and back). Bring your bike, helmet, swimsuit, and towel for a refreshing swim at Montopolis Beach. Refreshments provided by Ghisallo Cycling Initiative. Ride led by Sunday Cruise ATX. All are welcome! Details HERE.

CONVIVIO | 6 PM – 8 PM

Join us at Casa Marianella at 821 Gunter St, Austin, TX 78702 for live salsa music, food, fun, fellowship and dancing! All are welcome!

Brought to you by Yellow Bike, Sunday Cruise ATX, & Casa Marianella

Sponsored by: Ghisallo Cycling Initiative & Fiesta Austin

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END OF BIKE MONTH CRITICAL MASS WITH RBA

WHEN: May 31 | 8 PM -10 PM

WHERE: 25 Pedernales Street

The 10-mile beginner friendly route includes key bike friendly mass transit hubs and ends at the 27th Birthday Benefit Concert for Yellow Bike at Hotel Vegas.

Brought to you by RBA

Supported by: Yellow Bike

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YELLOW BIKE 27th BIRTHDAY BENEFIT CONCERT

WHEN: May 31 | DOORS OPEN: 9 PM | MUSIC: 10 PM

WHERE: HOTEL VEGAS

TICKETS: $26.77*

Celebrating the end of BIKE MONTH with Yellow Bike:

• Magnifico (Queen tribute band)
• Buttercup (San Antonio’s premier life affirming art rock band)
• Croy & the Boys (Solid working class country music band)

*TICKET SALE:

• Buy tickets HERE.
• First 50 tickets receive a free day pass to CRUX Climbing Gym

All proceeds from ticket sale will go to Yellow Bike.

Yellow Bike seeks dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to join its board of directors.

The Yellow Bike Project is a 501c nonprofit with a mission to EMPOWER individuals through life changing transportation, by providing workspace and tools, and cultivating enthusiastic community participation to advance our vision, EDUCATE people wanting to learn about bicycles and bicycle maintenance, and REVIVE bicycles to get them on the streets of Austin and make them available to all.

In 2023, we celebrated our twenty-sixth anniversary, refurbished and got 1,700 bikes back on the streets of Austin (many through our community partners), organized 9,000 volunteer hours across 700 volunteers. Yellow Bike supports a staff of 9 and has an operating budget of $400,000. More information can be found in our 2023 annual report.

The board seeks 4+ individuals with diverse skills and experiences. Candidates with fundraising, communication, partnership, finance, human resources, project management, event planning and/or volunteer recruitment and retention experience are strongly encouraged to apply via this questionnaire We strongly value the lived experience and local knowledge and will prioritize those connected to communities of color, social service organizations and community centers. This is a governance and working board, so will involve both high level strategy and operational realities.

Commitments 

• Currently, the Yellow Bike Board is a policy and working board and members are expected to chair or serve on 2 committees, and attend monthly board meetings (first Tuesday of the month from 7-9 pm). 
• Average monthly time commitments from board members is 8-12+ hours
• 2-year term of office

Responsibilities

• Ensure a professional and strategic direction for the organization. 
• Stabilize and build resources (both fiscal and human) for programs that fulfill  the organization’s strategic planning effort.
• Foster cohesiveness between the staff and volunteers, in support of a happy, supported and enthusiastic community.

Yellow Bike has a unique governance and operational model rooted in a consensus process, strong volunteer supported legacy, and a robust and capable staff. Yellow Bike’s bylaws and committee structure give more information on Yellow Bike’s governance. 

The nominating committee is accepting applications until Sunday May 31st, 2024. We will hold follow-up interviews and select candidates in May/June. We thank you for your time and consideration.

More information about Yellow Bike can be found at www.austinyellowbike.org.

SPRING BIKE SALES IN OUR YARD! Do good for you and for someone else! 

Enjoy spring on a bike purchased from Yellow Bike Project. You buy a bike from us and we give a bicycle to someone else who cannot afford a bike! Do good for you and for someone else! 

And we are making it super easy – EVERY Saturday Yellow Bike has an AS-IS yard sale. Good quality as-is bike projects for sale every saturday; $50-$150 will get you started on your next bike project. So come on over and shop; save a bike, save money, and we’ll give a bike to someone who can’t afford a bike! 

March 20% off sale – if you are a student, service industry worker, or City of Austin employee, purchase a bike in March and you’ll save 20%! WOOT!