The Columbus Bike Co-op has reopened for the 2023 season. For the 2023 season, the new hours of operation will be 2 to 5 p.m. Sundays and 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, excluding major holidays that fall on either day, such as July 4.
Billing itself as “The Best Kept Secret in Columbus”, the co-op offers refurbished bikes that have been donated by the public, at an affordable rate. It also offers the popular “Earn-A-Bike” program, in which those who donate six hours of volunteer time to the co-op will earn a bike for free!
Co-op staff also will show you how to fix up your bike and provide you with the necessary accessories to keep you safe and street legal while riding.
“We are very excited to open up for another season and continue our mission of connecting bikes and people. Our main goal is to help provide affordable and reliable transportation to those who need it in our community.’’ said co-op administrator Tabitha Saltzman. Saltzman, a Columbus native and 2002 Columbus East High School graduate, paired with veteran shop manager Matteo Auteri are planning new events and activities for the 2023 season.
“Bicycle safety and maintenance are very important to not only the rider but other pedestrians and drivers on the road. We want to bring those classes back this year to help keep our local cyclists safe on the road.” said Auteri.
Along with buying and fixing bikes, the co-op is always looking for volunteers.
“We rely so much on our volunteers. We would not be able to operate without them. They really are our greatest asset. As a nonprofit, we rely on volunteers and donations from our community to help us keep our doors open. There’s always work to be done here, and not just on bikes. We have administrative tasks as well. There really is something for everyone to do here.” said Saltzman.
For more information on the Columbus Bike co-op, volunteering, or making a donation, email [email protected] or call 812-379-8860.
