Blackbird Bicycle Coop

Thursday, 04 June 2009 13:43

Need a bicycle? Got a bicycle you don't need?

Blackbird Bicycle Coop is a cooperative, volunteer organization which provides a community space for bicycles and the people who ride them. Its mission is, "to create equitable access to cycling by providing affordable bicycle maintenance, services and education. To provide an open shop for sharing equipment, education, materials and hands-on support for cyclists of all ages and skill levels."

Blackbird Bicycle Coop began one year ago in the backyard of a few individuals. It gathered a small number of tools, solicited donations of bicycles and parts and began reaching out to the community to put more people on bicycles. It set shop hours and was open continuously on Saturday afternoons for the part year.

Blackbird Bicycle Coop has found a true home, with a roof and the conveniences of local, public space. This past month, Blackbird moved into the Warehouse, located behind 1924 Taylor Street, and shares its space with other local groups. Beginning July 11 Blackbird will reopen for the public. Its general shop hours will be Saturdays 3-6PM. Blackbird will also host 'volunteer' night on Mondays 5-7PM, where the purpose of the night will be to contribute to the Blackbird shop by organizing parts bins or attending an educational workshop.

Get involved: Many people find their niche at Blackbird in a variety of ways.

Build a bicycle from scrap: Expect to use the coop and your favorite local bike shop together. Blackbird can help you pick out a frame, find parts to go with it, but we can’t do everything. At best, you will need to purchase a chain, tires, and tubes. At worst, you will need to reinstall a bottom bracket and headset. We ask for donations of $25 (sliding scale)for a bicycle frame and all the parts you find in-shop to go with it.

Use tools to repair your bike: You are in luck! We have tools for most repair problems. We can teach you to tighten loose parts, true wheels, change tires, adjust brakes, and basic drive-train maintenance. We cannot yet build entire wheels or install headsets. We ask for $5 per shop hour when you use Blackbird’s tools.

Volunteer: We need more shop managers who oversee the flow of traffic and orient new visitors to Blackbird. We need more mechanics who want to work on bikes and those who want welcome visitors through the Coop. If you want to work on other behind-the-scenes projects, let somebody at the Coop know your ideas and interests.

Donate your old bike or bike parts: Thank you! This is how we keep our shop running. Bring donations by during Shop Hours or email us to arrange another time for pick-up or drop-off. Donate your old bike and get a tax deduction.

Give back with your time: If you like what we do, help us do it better by volunteering time as Greeters, Mechanics, Special Events organizers, Fundraisers, Artists, or bring your other talents!

Give back with your cash: To keep our shop running, we need a steady stream of donations for new tools, parts and other necessities. We use 100% of donations towards the Coop.

Tax deductable contributions to Blackbird Bicycle can be made through CPRC here.

Keep in touch with us:

In person:

Blackbird Bicycle Coop
The Warehouse, 1924 Taylor Street
beginning July 11,

General Shop Hours: Saturdays 3-6PM

Volunteer/Workshop Nights: Mondays 5-7PM

On the Net:

our website, www.blackbirdbicycle.org

on facebook, search ' This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '

by email (ask us to join our newsletter!), This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Events coming soon:

Blackbird Bicycle Coop's Birthday celebration