Cambridge Resident Refurbished Bike Program
Offering free refurbished bicycles and essential accessories to eligible residents of Cambridge, MA, promoting mobility and a healthier lifestyle for all.
About the Program
Empowering Communities, One Bike at a Time
In partnership with the City of Cambridge, we are thrilled to launch the Cambridge Resident Refurbished Bike Program, an initiative aimed at providing 800 free refurbished bicycles to low-income residents of Cambridge, MA. Funded through the Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the program also provides essential accessories like helmets, lights, and locks.
This program promotes sustainable transportation, health, and mobility while addressing transportation inequities in our community.
“Cambridge Bike Give Back is a trusted organization that has been doing this work for years. We are very excited to support them in reaching more people in Cambridge. ”
“In response to the murder of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement, we founded Cambridge Bike Give Back to empower our community through increased mobility and access. This additional funding from the city will help us reach more residents, provide greater access to bicycles, promote healthier lifestyles, and advance social equity across Cambridge.”
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Are You Eligible for a Free Bike?
Cambridge residents can qualify for a free bike in two ways:
Option 1: Qualifying Neighborhoods
If you live in a qualifying Cambridge neighborhood
Residents living in certain census tracts are automatically eligible.
Check your eligibility based on your location on the map below or here!
Option 2: Public Benefits
If you receive public benefits:
Residents receiving public benefits are eligible for a bike. These benefits include:
Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC)
Fuel Assistance
EBT (SNAP)
Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
MassHealth
Pell Grant
SSI/SSDI
Summer EBT
Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children
WIC
How to Apply
To apply for a bike, please follow these steps:
Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you qualify by reviewing the sections above on Qualifying Neighborhoods and Public Benefits.Fill Out the Application
Complete the Google application form here.Provide Personal Information
You will need to include:Your name
Your address
Proof of identity
Proof of address
If you are eligible based on public benefits, submit a photo or image of a public award letter to show income eligibility (must be dated within one year of the application date).
Confidentiality Assurance
All information will remain confidential and shared only with relevant parties in the program. Your data will be retained for five years.
Certification
By submitting this application, you certify that:
The information provided is true and accurate.
Any bicycles received will be used by you or your child.
You agree to the program's terms and conditions.
Why This Program Matters
The Cambridge Resident Refurbished Bike Program strives to:
Support Health & Wellbeing: Encouraging active transportation improves both physical and mental health.
Increase Mobility Options: A free bike gives residents greater freedom and convenience.
Address Historic Inequities: By providing free bikes, we are helping to overcome transportation barriers that have historically affected low-income communities.
Boost Confidence: We work to help individuals, especially kids, feel more confident about riding bicycles.
Reduce Climate Pollution: Bicycles are an environmentally friendly alternative to cars, contributing to a greener future.
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Residents of Cambridge who either live in a qualifying census tract or receive public benefits such as WIC, SNAP, MassHealth, Section 8, and others listed on this page.
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You can apply directly on our website by filling out the application form. Bikes will be distributed as available, so we recommend applying as soon as possible. Apply here.
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Once you apply and your eligibility is confirmed, you will be placed on a waitlist. Bikes are distributed on a rolling basis as they become available, and we will contact you once your bike is ready for pickup.
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No, the bike and all included accessories (helmet, lights, lock) are free of charge for qualifying residents.
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While we try our best to match you with a bike that suits your size and needs, availability depends on donations. You may not be able to choose a specific type of bike, but we’ll make sure it’s a good fit for you.
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The bikes are fully refurbished and in working condition when distributed, but if repairs are needed later, you can visit local bike shops or attend our community bike repair events.
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Yes! We provide bikes for both children and adults. If you're applying for a child, please indicate the child's age and size so we can find a suitable bike.
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By providing free bikes to residents, we are encouraging the use of bicycles as a zero-emission form of transportation, which helps reduce traffic-related pollution and combat climate change.
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If you need assistance with the application process, please contact us via email or phone, and we’ll guide you through the steps. We’re here to help!
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Bikes will be distributed on a rolling basis until December 31, 2025, or until all program funds are used. If funds run out before then, we will notify applicants .