Last May, the VeloCity bicycle cooperative opened up at 204 South Union Street.  What is a bicycle co-op?  According to John Patterson, the director of the co-op, it is not a retail shop, but a workspace for community members to fix and maintain their own bicycles.  The non-profit co-op provides bike stands, tools, used parts, classes, and skilled volunteers.  Customers do the work themselves, and learn from volunteers and each other. VeloCity joins the list of non-profit bicycle cooperatives in the DC area, including Phoenix Bikes in Arlington, the Bike House in the Petworth area of DC, and Mt. Rainier Bike Co-op in Maryland.

    “The main objective of our co-op is to build a more inclusive and vibrant bicycling culture in the area,” says Patterson.  “Basically, we want to empower bicycling skills, fun and freedom.”  The goal of the co-op is to bring skills, resources and bicycles to lower income and at-risk community members, many of whom need a bicycle to get to work or school.  VeloCity is also partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of Alexandria to provide bicycle maintenance, bike riding, and build-a-bike programs to club members.

    The co-op is funded through charitable contributions, including donated bicycles and bike parts.  “Bikes that have fallen into disrepair make excellent learning tools and can be used in our Earn-a-Bike youth program that we will be launching in the near future,” says Christian Myers, manager and head mechanic of the co-op.

    The shop is open weekends and Wednesday evenings.  Stop by to tune up your two-wheeler for the summer, or just to see what it’s all about.  The shop can also be reached at 703 835-0558 or www.velocitycoop.org Last May, the VeloCity bicycle cooperative opened up at 204 South Union Street. What is a bicycle co-op? According to John Patterson, the director of the co-op, it is not a retail shop, but a workspace for community members to fix and maintain their own bicycles. The non-profit co-op provides bike stands, tools, used parts, classes, and skilled volunteers. Customers do the work themselves, and learn from volunteers and each other. VeloCity joins the list of non-profit bicycle cooperatives in the DC area, including Phoenix Bikes in Arlington, the Bike House in the Petworth area of DC, and Mt. Rainier Bike Co-op in Maryland. “The main objective of our co-op is to build a more inclusive and vibrant bicycling culture in the area,” says Patterson. “Basically, we want to empower bicycling skills, fun and freedom.” The goal of the co-op is to bring skills, resources and bicycles to lower income and at-risk community members, many of whom need a bicycle to get to work or school. VeloCity is also partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of Alexandria to provide bicycle maintenance, bike riding, and build-a-bike programs to club members. The co-op is funded through charitable contributions, including donated bicycles and bike parts. “Bikes that have fallen into disrepair make excellent learning tools and can be used in our Earn-a-Bike youth program that we will be launching in the near future,” says Christian Myers, manager and head mechanic of the co-op. The shop is open weekends and Wednesday evenings. Stop by to tune up your two-wheeler for the summer, or just to see what it’s all about. The shop can also be reached at 703 835-0558 or www.velocitycoop.org

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