BikeWorks South relocates in Edmonton

The oldest running community bike shop in Edmonton is moving locations. BikeWorks South is run by the Edmonton Bicycle Commuters’ Society, which is raising funds to expand the popular south-side location.

EBC runs two locations, and BikeWorks South has been forced to relocate after 13 years in the same place. The current landlords plan to repurpose the building, leaving no space for the shop where cyclists can pay a small fee for access to the tools to fix their own bikes.

The forced move has opened an opportunity for the EBC. A new shop location has already been identified, offering many improvements for the group and customers of BikeWorks South. According to the project’s Indiegogo campaign, the new shop space will offer a real storefront: the previous location required patrons to enter from a back alley. Additionally, there’s more space, which means more work stands and easier access.

“We’re almost doubling our capacity for people coming in to work on their bikes,” said Christopher Chan, executive director of EBC, in an interview with Edmonton’s Metro newspaper. “There’s so much demand in that area where we currently are, south side, that having more space to meet demand will be greatly useful.”

Aside from providing shop space for customers to fix their own bikes, BikeWorks South also refreshes used bikes and sells them for a bargain price. The location also specializes in repairing adapted bicycles for special needs children.

At present, the campaign is looking to raise a total of $7,000, with the rest of the funds for the move and expansion coming from the net income from past years. Just as the shop aims to make cycling accessible to all, regardless of income, the campaign seeks both contributions of funds, but also makes a request for those with certain skills to come and help with the actual work—without having to contribute any money.