Building a bike-friendly community is no easy task. It takes a commitment to city planning, grassroots awareness and groups such as Bay Village’s Village Bicycle Cooperative willing to put in plenty of hard work. Founded in 2012, the cooperative began as a place for cyclists to meet up, work on their rides and chat. It has evolved into an open shop where you can find someone to lend expertise and help get your bike in road-ready shape. The co-op also takes donated bikes, which the all-volunteer staff fixes up as a way to educate about bicycle safety and maintenance, then sells them for usually less than $100. “Our main mission is education, advocacy, community,” says Jennifer Smillie, president and co-founder. “But if you come in, you’ve got to be ready to get your hands dirty and repair the bike.” 303 Cahoon Road, Bay Village, 440-373-7619, villagebicycle.org
Rating the Suburbs: Village Bicycle Cooperative
The Bay Village co-op covers all your bike-riding needs.
