The program serves tenants of all ages living in Ottawa Community Housing communities, from children and youth to adults. This program is event-based and bike distributions are strictly limited to the community-specific events we organize.
You can verify your address by clicking here.
No. All bikes, helmets, lights, and locks are provided free of charge through the Hop on Bikes program.
Please carry a photo ID to help verify your address. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Bikes are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so we cannot guarantee that everyone who attends will receive one. Our team works hard to match as many residents as possible with a safe and suitable bike. If a bike is not available for you at the event, you will have the option to join our waitlist and be contacted once a suitable bike becomes available.
Hop on Bikes events are organized specifically for residents of the community where the event is taking place. This helps ensure fair access and allows us to serve each community based on its needs. If you’re interested in receiving a bike, we encourage you to speak with your Community Developer to learn when the program will be coming to your community.
We hold 4-6 distribution events every year between April-August. The exact number of events depends on community need and the availability of bikes. We aim to deliver at least 365 bikes every year.
All bikes are donated to the program and refurbished by our partner, re-Cycles Ottawa, with support from volunteers. Each bike is tuned up, safety-checked, and fitted before being distributed to tenants.
This program is generously funded by CN Railways, Ottawa Community Foundation, EnviroCentre, Juneberry Fund and Orleans United Church. We also receive support from re-Cycles Ottawa, Ottawa Community Housing Corporation (OCH), City of Ottawa, TBMOQ, Bushtukah, Safer Roads Ottawa and Ottawa Public Health.
Used bikes can be donated to re-Cycles Ottawa at 445 Catherine St Unit 1, Ottawa. Please let them know that the donated bike for the OCH Foundation’s Hop on Bikes program.
Yes! Hop on Bikes welcomes individual and group volunteers. Volunteers help with preparing bikes, fittings, safety checks, and event support, making each distribution safe and fun. Contact our team to get involved.
