DUBUQUE BIKE COOP

DUBUQUE BIKE COOP. Founded in 2013 by Robert Williams as a nonprofit community bike project under the 501(c)(3) status of the DUBUQUE RESCUE MISSION, the Dubuque Bike Coop has as its goal to build community by utilizing bicycles to promote healthy living and wellness along with environmental sustainability.

The Coop accepts donated bicycles, repairs them, and checks them out to members of the community. Bikes are checked out for a period of three months. Deposits typically range from $50 to $100, depending on the quality of the bike. At the end of the three month period, if the patron returns the bicycle in similar condition, the full deposit minus a $25 shop fee will be returned. The bicycle is then tuned up to be checked out again. If the patron chooses to keep the bicycle beyond the three month check-out period, the bicycle’s City of Dubuque license will be transferred to the patron, and the bike is theirs to keep.

Volunteer mechanics meet Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday nights from 6-8pm at the Coop space located at 2206 Central Avenue. Both experienced bike mechanics and those who would like to learn the art are welcome. Bike checkouts occur during the nights that the Coop is open and once per month (2nd Saturday) at the downtown FARMERS' MARKET during the summer months.

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Source:

Decker, Ryan Michael. "Coop'd Up," Julien's Journal, April 2013, p. 29

Dubuque Bike Coop website. Online: http://www.dubuquebikecoop.org/sample-page/