Back in September 2012, Steve Mays and Nathan Utz had an idea to open a used bicycle co-op in Kettering where bike junkies could sell, trade, and fix up their rides, basically a coffee shop for bikers, minus the coffee. They put the word out to friends and neighbors to donate their old bikes, large or small.

By Christmas that year, it was clear that most of the bicycle donations were kids' bikes and the whole "hip hangout for cyclists" thing wasn't catching on. So Steve and Nathan had the bright idea to start giving the kids' bikes away to any child in the community who needed one, no questions asked. That Christmastime decision is what set Bicycles For All's mission in motion, to provide a safe bike to every child that asks for one and accept donations in exchange for adult bikes. The donations help keep that promise funded. 

It wasn't long before the tiny shop in a Kettering strip mall was bursting at the seams. Bicycle donations kept pouring in but there was barely room left to actually repair and inspect the bikes. In 2016, Bicycles For All packed up and moved to its current home in the basement of the Armory Building on 6th Street in Dayton where there was finally enough space to do the work right. Now, the basement shop has a large repair area, showroom and room to store about 300 donated bicycles waiting for new riders.

From day one, the all volunteer staff have been the heart and soul of Bicycles For All, from turning wrenches to sorting donations to making sure every bicycle that leaves the shop fits the rider, is safe and actually works.