Discovery Routes is proud of its work supporting equitable access to trails in our community. We do not receive any government funding to support the ongoing delivery of the ReCycle Bikes Program. We rely on generous contributions from businesses, organizations, individuals and volunteers who share our values. Cash Donations and Sponsorship are critical to keep the program rolling. Help us keep the program thriving!
Donate to ReCycle Bikes Sponsor
About ReCycle Bikes
ReCycle Bikes is a volunteer-run used bike donations program in North Bay and area, coordinated by local charity Discovery Routes. The program accepts bicycle and gently used trail gear donations, and community volunteers repair, tune-up and get the bicycles ready to ride. Discovery Routes works with several social services organizations in the community to help give refurbished bikes to kids and individuals in need in our community. Since 2015, Discovery Routes and community volunteers have received, tuned up and redistributed 1102 bicycles!
Social and Environmental Benefits
The original aim of the ReCycle Bikes Program was to provide opportunities for more people to get out and enjoy the incredible network of trails in and around North Bay. But the benefits far exceed the original intent of the program. Here are just a few of the impacts of our used bike donations program:
- Provides access to individuals that may have limited transportation options to get to school or work
- Gets unused bikes out of the garage and back on the trail
- Fosters a healthy and active community and builds a local culture of cycling
- More bikes on the trails and streets build demand for safe cycling infrastructure
- Provides opportunities for volunteers to learn bicycle repair skills
- Provides opportunities for youth to participate in local bicycle programs
- Bikes that can’t be made roadworthy are salvaged for scrap to divert waste from landfill
Need a Bike?
Bicycles are distributed through our partners at many local community service organizations based on need and availability of suitable bicycles. Contact cycle@discoveryroutes.ca in the early spring to be placed on a waiting list for available bikes in 2025.
Got Trail-Ready Gear to Give?
We collect bicycle and gear donations in May and June each year. Qualifying donations receive a charitable tax receipt for $25 issued via email when the program wraps up in the early fall. To make sure everything we receive is safe and usable for future adventures, here are a few simple guidelines:
What We’re Looking For:
- Bicycles
- Hiking Poles
- Snowshoes
- Kick Scooters
- Cross-country skis (NNN and SNS type bindings only)
General Condition Requirements:
- Must be gently used or new (no broken parts, significant rust, or dry rot)
- All components should be intact and functional
- No missing critical parts (e.g., pole tips, straps)
- Must be clean and dry
- All sizes accepted (adult, youth and child)
What We Don’t Accept
- Broken or heavily worn-out gear
- Homemade or modified equipment
- Discontinued models without available replacement parts
Qualifying donations receive a charitable tax receipt for $25 issued via email when the program wraps up in the early fall.
Select gear that cannot be matched may be sold to help cover program expenses.
We are only able to accept bikes that are in fair to excellent condition. Not all bikes can be made safe for the road and trails. To help determine whether your bike is suitable for donation, please consider the following criteria:
- Bicycles stored indoors are preferable
- Has a majority of its parts
- Has minimal rust
- No cracks or broken tips
- Adjustable poles must have working locking mechanisms
- Handles and wrist straps must be intact
- No cracks, broken bindings, or missing parts
- Modern styles – plastic, aluminum, or composite
- Working bindings – functional and no dry-rot
- No missing parts (e.g., straps, crampons, heel lifts)
- No significant frame bends, cracks, or excessive wear on crampons
- Kick scooters only (no motorized or electric)
- Wheels spin smoothly
- Brakes and steering must work properly
- Deck and wheels should be in safe, rideable condition
- NNN (New Nordic Norm) or SNS (Salomon Nordic System) bindings only
- Skis should be free of large delamination or core exposure
- Bindings must be securely attached and functional
- Poles not required but are welcomed and in good condition
Our Impact Since 2015
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| 119 Bikes Donated (2024) | 429 Volunteer Hours (2024) | 263kg Waste Diverted (2024) |
| 1102 Bikes Donated (Since 2015) | 2138 Volunteer Hours (Since 2015) | 3210 kg of Waste Diverted (Since 2015) |
| 810 Bikes Distributed (Since 2015) |
Some of the Agencies We’ve Been Able to Support
Hands the Family Network “Thank you for all you do to make a difference in the community!”
North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre “Thank you Recycle Bikes and Discovery Routes!! From myself and my clients.”
Outloud North Bay – “Thank You!! ❤️”
Supporting Partners
In 2020, Discovery Routes received a gift from Park Tools, a bike tool and equipment manufacturer that supplied the organization with professional bike-specific tools. Volunteer mechanics use the donated tools to tune up and repair donated bicycles.
