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Q: What is a Bicycle Co-Op?
A: The co-op is about helping people help themselves. The co-op provides a central place for people to come to rescue bicycles and learn how to fix and maintain them. The volunteer mechanics do not fix bikes for people; they help guide members who are working on their own bicycle projects. The co-op also works for bicycle advocacy, and organizes rides, social events, and contests. Most importantly, we concentrate on empowering people, getting them on bicycles, and having fun.
Q: How does MoBo work?
The first step is to become a member by paying a $20 annual membership fee (or committing to 2 hours of volunteering). Members share shop access, tools, cleaners, grease, and knowledge to help keep bikes rolling. Members can opt to work on their current bikes, or select donated bicycles, parts, and accessories at very modest prices.
Membership is for everyone: youth are eligible for free memberships. Youth members can also choose one free donated bike per year to learn to repair with volunteer mechanics and then take home. Youth can return year-round on Mondays to repair their bikes, build their mechanical skills, and help their neighbors get around safely.
Q: How do I get a MoBo membership?
You can become a member at any time by filling out a membership form, either online or in-person during our weekly programs. We accept cash, check, and credit card payments. You can also exchange two hours of volunteering for your annual membership.
Q: What exactly is Open Bike Shop?
Currently, Open Shop (for adults) happens once a week, on Sundays from 11am-5pm inside the Village Green Foundation at 1415 Knowlton St in Northside.
Members have access to the shop, tools, cleaners, grease, knowledge of our community and much more to help you work on your bikes. Members who do not own a bicycle can adopt one of the many donated bicycles, parts, and accessories at very modest prices.
Kids Day (Open Shop for Kids) occurs every Monday from 5-8pm. While people of all ages can volunteer, benches are reserved for youth members. Adults will not be allowed to work on their personal bikes inside.
Q: Do you sell bikes?
MoBo does not normally sell bikes except during our annual Spring Bike and Plant Sale, as we are not a retail bike shop – but occasionally we sell refurbished donated bikes in person. We also have an “adopt a bike” program where volunteer hours can be put towards earning a bike.