I know I haven't talked much about it on here, but I am in the process of starting a Non-Profit bike shop, Bici Co-op. Check it out here: www.bicicoop.org.
I am really excited and passionate about this and can't wait until we get it up and running. I think it will have a great impact on Birmingham, in terms of advocacy and bike-friendliness. We hope to be a place in the community and for the community. Bikes are the most efficient form of transportation in the world and a great option for greener commutes as well as a reliable way for lower income people to get to work. Most of the problems with bikes are a)asquisition and b)maintenance. Bici will tackle both as cheaply (or free) as possible. No one will be turned away for an inability to pay. Our goal is to teach people to maintain their own rides and then give them a place to do it and tools to use, under mechanic supervision to ensure safety.
For Profit bike shops are great places, but are daunting and often cater to affluent members of the community. Makes sense since they are for profit. We want to get the rest of the community on bikes.
If you have any old bikes or bike parts and would like to send them our way, send me a message. We are in the process of becoming 501(c)3, so can write you a receipt for your donation. We also have an amazon wish list and are taking financial contributions. The shop is going to be located in the Highland Park area, next to the Unity Church. This is close to downtown, Southtown, UAB, Crestline, Avondale...you get the picture. This side of the mountain actually has no bike shops at all, let alone anything that would be affordable.
Please come to our prom and support this Community Project. It will a blast, and you will be doing something good.
Got Questions? Want to help? Need a bike? email me or comment.
thanks friends!
