Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO) has been a lifeline in Detroit for seven decades, and its annual Handlebars for the Homeless bike tour shows exactly why. This year marks the nonprofit’s 70th anniversary and the 14th edition of its signature fundraiser, set for Sunday, August 24, 2025. It’s more than a cycling event; it’s a moment when a city comes together to ride for its most vulnerable neighbors and keep a conversation about homelessness alive.
The ride begins and ends at NSO’s Bell Building, an anchor on Detroit’s west side that once was an abandoned landmark but now houses hundreds of formerly homeless residents. Registration and breakfast open at 7:00 a.m., and at 8:30 a.m., cyclists will roll out on 6- and 15-mile routes. These aren’t races; they’re scenic rides designed for every skill level, weaving through Detroit streets and showing off parts of the city many rarely see on two wheels. Participants get a T-shirt, spoke card, raffle entry, and refreshments, and mechanics and experienced riders are on hand to keep things running smoothly. A virtual option, available August 15–24, allows supporters to ride anywhere and still contribute to the cause.
The event reflects NSO’s deeper mission: connecting people, resources, and compassion. Linda Little, NSO’s president and CEO, said this ride “continues to shine a light on the issue of homelessness while raising critical funds to expand access to resources and wraparound services for Detroit’s most vulnerable residents. Handlebars for the Homeless is more than just a ride; it’s a powerful tradition of community, compassion, and collective action that reflects the heart of NSO’s mission for the past seven decades.”
The fundraising aspect matters. Homelessness is a systemic issue, and organizations like NSO depend on community support to meet growing needs. Proceeds from the ride support housing programs, mental health services, outreach, and case management for individuals experiencing homelessness across Detroit. The event’s founder, David E. Rudolph, underscored that community spirit is the core of the ride: “This event has always been about community engagement and helping those in need. We encourage participants to enjoy the scenic route, contribute to the cause, and make a lasting impact.”
Registration remains open until August 23 at $70 per rider, with VIP registration at $150 offering extra merchandise and a gift. Onsite registration is $75. Groups and nonprofits can access discounts by contacting NSO’s development team. Major sponsors like Bedrock, Skillman Foundation, Aetna, and Focus Hope are backing the effort, proving that businesses and residents can align around a shared goal—lifting up those often left unseen.
For Detroiters, events like this are reminders that addressing homelessness starts with visibility and empathy. They turn quiet streets into channels of awareness and action, showing that every mile pedaled is one more step toward dignity and housing security for someone in need. It’s a community saying, together, that everyone deserves stability. And for NSO, it’s proof that 70 years in, the mission still moves forward—one ride, one neighbor, one act of care at a time.
To register or learn more, visit NSO’s event page.
