There are hundreds of thousands of fixable bicycles thrown away in the U.S. each year and hundreds of thousands of youth in the U.S. that do not find a safe after school environment where they can thrive. Phoenix Bikes trains youth as social entrepreneurs that run bike shops that sell reconditioned bikes, provide bike repair, and provide safety equipment and training. Unlike commercial bike shops which cater to new bike sales and repair services for middle and upper income people, Phoenix Bikes target market is low and modest income children, youth, and families who need affordable reconditioned bikes, professional repair services, safety training, and good helmets at a fraction of the cost that is currently available. Unlike mass market retailers, Phoenix Bikes offers bike repair services and the dollars spent at Phoenix remain in the local community serving local youth and families instead of flowing out of the community to corporate shareholders and executives. The youth that run Phoenix Bikes are engaged in serving their local community and building the self-confidence and entrepreneurial team spirit necessary to build productive and inspired lives.
