That bicycle gathering dust in a garage or basement could have another life — and help support programs for young people across Mercer County in the process.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County is putting out a call for used bicycles for its Bike Exchange, a volunteer-run operation in Ewing that refurbishes donated bikes and sells them to support youth programs throughout the county.
Since it was founded in 2009, the Bike Exchange has refurbished more than 32,000 bicycles and generated more than $2.1 million for the Boys & Girls Clubs, according to the organization. Proceeds help support after-school programs, summer camps, STEM education, meals and college and career readiness programs serving more than 1,800 young people each year.
“More than $2.1 million generated for our youth through the sale of used bicycles — that’s an incredible milestone,” Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County President and CEO Reginald J. Coleman said. “For nearly two decades, that sustained support has meant real, tangible things for our kids: a spot in summer camp, a hot meal after school, access to STEM programming that opens doors.”
The Bike Exchange was founded by Russ White, a founding partner of Firehouse Cycles in Yardley and Sourland Cycles in Hopewell. His idea was to give unwanted bicycles a second life while using the proceeds to create opportunities for children in Mercer County.
Today, about 50 volunteers repair bicycles, collect donations, transport bikes and staff the shop at Capitol Plaza in Ewing.
The operation typically has about 500 bicycles available at any given time, all supplied through donations, bike drives and corporate collections. Bikes that cannot be repaired are stripped for usable parts rather than simply discarded.
The program also provides bicycles directly to people who need them. About 400 bikes are donated each year to children and adults throughout New Jersey, according to the Boys & Girls Clubs.
For volunteer director Ira Saltiel, a cyclist who has worked with the Bike Exchange since retiring in 2013, the program serves several purposes at once.
“Every bike we sell helps support Club kids, and we’re also able to get low-cost bikes to many people who would not have been able to afford bikes sold at other retail outlets,” Saltiel said. “There’s nothing like knowing this work helps kids thrive while also helping others achieve a healthy lifestyle. It’s a win-win.”
The environmental benefits have also drawn recognition. In 2025, the Bike Exchange received an Outstanding Achievement in Recycling Award from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for its work keeping more than 30,000 bicycles out of landfills.
Longtime volunteer Al Porter describes the operation another way.
“We are in the happiness business,” Porter said. “Every shift at BEX brings rewards, often with heartening stories from our experiences with customers.”
For anyone with an unused bicycle, the Bike Exchange is accepting donations at its shop at Capitol Plaza Shopping Center, 1500 North Olden Ave. in Ewing. The shop is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 7:45 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. It also sells refurbished bicycles and is seeking volunteers.
More information is available through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County Bike Exchange.
