Five months ago Hub City Cycles Community Co-op opened its doors and welcomed customers in need of repairs, bikes and bits.
Since then, in order to help people become transportationally independent, the co-op has offered numerous evening workshops and programs at its shop at 12 Lois Lane, downtown in the China Steps area.
The shop hosts general bi-weekly workshops on Wednesday evenings as well as workshops specifically for women and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community on the first Monday evening of every month.
These workshops focus on an aspect of bike mechanics and seek to empower attendees by providing them with information that will enable them to fix their own bike or become more informed about the cycling related topics. They are free to members or by donation for non-members.
To become a member, visit the shop, fill out an application and purchase a minimum of one $5 share, (refundable upon leaving the co-op).
A member of the co-op is entitled to use the tools and shop space for an hourly, monthly or annual fee.
There is always a trained bike mechanic in the shop that members can receive guidance and assistance from to help with their repairs.
Along with the regular workshops, the co-op offers more comprehensive education programs including a bike skills course Sept. 16 from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The one-day course teaches cyclists to ride safely and confidently, taking them through the most common traffic situations that could be faced.
Combining classroom with road training, it also provides tips needed to make cycle commuting a fun and regular part of everyday life. Cost is $100 or $80 for students and those on low income.
Another opportunity includes an advanced bike mechanics course with approximately 20 hours of class, lab and demo time.
The program is geared to help give tinkerers, beginners and anyone with little to no bike maintenance knowledge, an overview of how to completely overhaul a bike from top to bottom.
There are only four students and one instructor per class and plenty of opportunity for questions and one-on-one learning. Cost is $275 or $225 for students and low income.
For more information, please call 250-591-2195 or go to www.hubcitycycles.ca.