Our community bike shops, Bici Centro, encourage people to ride by providing low-cost refurbished bicycles and parts, bike repair and maintenance, and opportunities to learn maintenance skills through our do-it-yourself program.
Bici Centro Community Bike Shops
Our Community Bike Shops, Bici Centro, encourage people to ride by providing low-cost refurbished bicycles and parts, bike repair and maintenance, and opportunities to learn maintenance skills through our do-it-yourself program.
What are our Bici Centro Community Bike Shops?
Our bike shops are community hubs where people of all walks of life can come together, volunteer to help others, or learn the skills needed to keep their bikes in safe riding condition. We have bikes for sale, new and used bike parts, opportunities for you to repair your own bike assisted by skilled mechanics, or mechanics on hand if you need to drop off your bike for maintenance or repair.
What do we offer?
We offer a variety of services for novice to expert riders. Community members can buy a new-to-them bike, browse our large bicycle parts inventory, or come in for a tune-up. We offer full professional bike maintenance services, opportunities to repair or maintain your bicycle in conjunction with a skilled mechanic through our do-it-yourself (DIY) program and affordable, upcycled bike parts to fix, build, or upgrade your bike.
Can I repair my own bicycle?
Yes! We offer a do-it-yourself (DIY) program where you will be matched with an experienced mechanic who will guide you through assessing the issue and making the needed repairs, with stand time charged by the hour. Used and new parts are available to help you address most issues or make upgrades to your bicycle. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment for DIY services.
How can I get involved?
We accept volunteers at all skill levels and train them to become more advanced bicycle mechanics. Whether you are new to bicycle maintenance and repair or are already a skilled mechanic, we have opportunities for you. Volunteers help clean and organize bikes, bike parts and the shop; maintain our fleet of bikes for our educational programs; and refurbish bikes for the public. To become a volunteer, visit our volunteer page or contact the Bicycle Shop Manager in your region.
Can I donate bikes?
Yes! We accept all bicycles and bicycle parts with a preference for high-quality bikes that are in a condition to be refurbished. Donated bicycles are refurbished by our staff and volunteers and are either re-sold to the public at reduced cost or donated to local young riders who participate in our youth safety and skills education programs.
How does our Recovery Bike Program work?
We believe reliable active transportation can be a key step toward stability. We offer individuals in recovery a quality refurbished bicycle and a sturdy U-lock in exchange for a nominal contribution and some volunteer time. This program supports individuals working to better their lives, providing access to a healthier and more independent way to get around.
Eligible participants must be referred by a social services caseworker. We require:
• A digital letter of endorsement (E-Mail preferred) confirming the individual is in recovery and explaining their transportation needs
• Recipient’s height to ensure a proper bike fit
• A $50 contribution
• One hour of recipient ‘work trade’ volunteer time
Once we receive the letter, we’ll reach out when a suitable bike becomes available and schedule the work trade time.
Referral E-Mails should be sent to our Bicycle Shop Managers: Miles@MoveSBCounty.org for our Santa Barbara shop, or to Ken@MoveSBCounty.org for our Santa Maria shop.
Where are we located and what are our hours of operation?
We operate two community bike shops in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria and a satellite shop at Santa Barbara City College.
Bici Centro Santa Barbara
434 Olive St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805.617.3255
Hours: Open Tuesday – Friday 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM and Saturday 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (closed Sunday and Monday)
Volunteer Night: Thursdays 5:30 to 7:00 PM
Bici Centro Santa Maria
310 E Oak St, Santa Maria, CA 93454
805.623.5763
Hours: Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Saturday 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (closed Wednesday & Sunday)
Bici Centro Santa Barbara City College
721 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109 (East Campus, near the bridge)
Hours: Open Monday – Thursday 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM for students & faculty during school semesters (closed Friday – Sunday)