Our Mission
Improving lives through bikes, community and cycling.
Cycle-Re-Cycle, a 501(c)3 non-profit in Benton Harbor Michigan, is dedicated to improving the lives of Southwest Michigan residents by promoting bicycles and cycling throughout the community. We do this through programs, advocacy, and partnerships that change the way people think about cycling and explore how a bicycle can be a vehicle for positive social change.
Our Story
Cycle-Re-Cycle began in 2010 when Bob Havenga and Larry Prange bought houses one door from each other in St. Joseph, MI. Both avid cyclists, it didn’t take long before they were discussing the best cycling gear and working on bikes in Bob’s well-stocked garage. Saddened by the amount of bikes ending up in trash cans, and the lack of a local cycling community Bob and Larry decided to combine their cumulative cycling experience to create a space for recycling, repairing, and providing bikes to the SW Michigan region.
Over the years Cycle-Re-Cycle has grown to become a 90+ volunteer-run organization. Since 2010 we have taken in over 2,500 donated bicycles, recycled over 10,000 pounds of scrap metal, run community programs on bike riding, maintenance, and repair for both children and adults, as well as provided low to no-cost bikes for community members for whom bicycles are their only means of transportation.
While we maintain our founder’s vision for keeping bikes out of landfills and fostering a local cycling community, we are looking to grow our grassroots legacy into a more robust local presence and create a lasting impact in the cycling education and advocacy space. We purchased our current building in 2017 at 159 E Napier Ave to be our forever home. We’ve got a much larger showroom, a great mechanical area, and a Community Room for teaching and special events. We’re committed to cycling to improve our community.
Our Programs
We support our mission through our education and community programs.
Refurbished Bikes
We give donated bikes a second chance through our refurbished bike program. Learn More
Earn-A-Bike
Volunteers put in time towards a new set of wheels. Learn More
Classes and Workshops
Learn maintenance and repair skills through interactive workshops and classes. Learn More
Community Events
We plan and support area events year-round. View The Calendar
Our Community Partners + Friends
CRC works with area companies, nonprofits and other organizations to promote bicycles and bicycling in Southwest Michigan. Our partners contribute ideas, volunteer power, and in-kind support to help us reach our goals and build a stronger community.
