Bike Match
The Bike Boom is here to stay, and we believe bikes should be accessible and available to everyone. We’re here to help New Yorkers help New Yorkers.
How does bike match work?
Fill out form
New Yorkers who have a bike to donate or who need a bike to get around the city, can fill out a simple form.
Stay tuned for our response
We'll pair you with a neighbor of about the same height.
Arrange a time
The two of you will arrange a time to exchange the bike in an open-air public place.
Meet & Exchange
Meet up with your neighbor and exchange the bike!
2,000+
Participants
34
Matches
Programs Inspired
450+
The Bike Match Story
Bike Match began in the first week of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Jacob Oberman, TA’s creative director, realized he had an unused bike gathering dust in his hallway. He reached out to his social network, and advertised the bike as up for grabs. By the end of the day, Jacob was waving goodbye to his old bike (through a closed window, of course) and another New Yorker had access to much-needed transportation in a time when many people’s normal travel was disrupted.
Jacob’s story inspired the team at TA to set up Bike Match, because we know bikes are essential for so many people who need to get around, whether it’s to an essential job, to run critical errands, or to participate in mutual aid for their neighbors. Since that first match in March 2020, the program has provided more than 350 New Yorkers with free bikes, and has been replicated in more than 30 other cities around the world.
Why We Need Bike Match
With the continually changing commute patterns in the city, many New Yorkers are turning to bikes to get around, and many others who relied on bikes are returning to public transportation. To help all New Yorkers access this affordable mode of transit and alleviate the global bike shortage, we have operated this mutual aid service since March 2020. Continued interest indicates the need has not been fulfilled.