A bike co-op is being initiated here in Springfield! Local resident Will Boder has been taken under the wing of The Bike Doctor in order to run a bike co-op that will be located on 8th and North Grand. According to the Springfield Bike Co-Op’s website (officially known as Enos Park Bike Cooperative),

The Enos Park Bike Cooperative is focused on teaching bicycle construction and maintenance through a unique volunteer program. We hope to support a thriving biking community within Springfield by providing our services at little to no cost. The program holds to cooperative values by creating shared ownership and responsibility for the project. By relying on volunteer power and contributions we hope to create a thriving environment of mutual support for all bikers in the Springfield area.

Basically, anyone who wants to put in hours on their bike or other bikes will in turn receive training and help from people who know what they are talking about, such as Will Boder. According to Will,

The Enos Park Springfield Bike Co-Op is focused on building a shared space where anyone in the community can work on building, repairing, or maintaing a bike. We want to build a stronger and larger biking community in Springfield by creating an environment of mutual support and education. Everyone is welcome to participate and contribute to building the Co-Op. We ask volunteers working with us to put in a solid four hours of work. Afterwards volunteers can use all of the equipment, parts, and tools in the shop. Feel visit us at www.springfieldbikecoop.com for the latest information. Please email us at springfieldbikecoop@gmail.com to sign up for our volunteer list to save a spot for yourself in the shop. Looking forward to working with you! 

This bike co op is definitely a venture that is worthy of attention and help, especially for those of us who are looking to cut down on driving. Co-ops themselves are excellent ways to build local community support as well as to promote the D.I.Y ethic, so don’t be reluctant to get involved! To see what’s happening with Springfield’s one and only developing food co-op, like the facebook page and sign up for their newsletter right here! Keep it real.