The coincidence is perfect: A collective offering rebuilt bikes and bicycle repair help working out of a former automotive shop.
And all it asks is a donation or a little sweat equity.
“There are environmental reasons for doing this ? more bikes mean less pollution ? more bikes mean less traffic,” said Beth Wacks, one of the founding members of the Velocipede Bike Project, located at 4 W. Lanvale St. in Baltimore. “But bikes build community and foster a social atmosphere, too. You?re out in the open, not closed in a bubble.”
Right now, the shop has its doors open to the public on Wednesday, and Thursday nights from 6 to 10 when anyone seeking a fix can ride ? or roll ? in their two-wheelers. Would-be bicyclists also can pick out a used bike on-hand and learn how to love and care for it.
“I just moved to Baltimore from Boston, and I usually rely on a bicycle to ride to work,” said Dylan Hay, 23. He carried in his dad?s old Schwinn and arrived with Miranda Bushey, also looking for a bike for her commute.
“Bikes Not Bombs in Boston is just like this,” Bushey said. “They have programs after-school for girls and Big Brother programs, and it works really great together.”
Velocipede plans to expand the hours and offer workshops for adults and after-school classes where kids can improve their owns bikes or earn used ones they?ve brought back to life. The group has already done some community outreach, like supporting this year?s Tour du Parks ride around the city.
The 2,500-square-foot space is home to dozens of used bikes in various states, with many ready to ride. Tools, tires, pumps, rims, cranks and frames, in varying shapes, sizes and colors, lean against the brightly painted cement walls. Wacks, however, is still requesting contributions and dollars for equipment.
“We need money for tools and parts, so I?m writing grant proposals,” said Wacks, a bike mechanic at Light Street Cycles by day. “We need people to donate bikes that have been sitting down in the basement and out in the garage. They can be used as a tax write-off.”
Velocipede got started with One Less Car, a Maryland bicycling and pedestrian advocacy group, and Red Emma?s, a bookstore and coffeehouse in Mount Vernon. Red Emma?s is expected to move next door to the bike project this fall.
“Whether you help an art student from MICA [Maryland Institute College of Art] or the kid on the corner and teach them how to do themselves,” said Andrew Byrne, a former auto mechanic at Velocipede, “you know you?re doing something worthwhile.”
On the web
For more information or to make a donation online, go to www.velocipedebikeproject.org
