Bicycling for fitness and exercise has increased by leaps and bounds in recent years. In this area, the bike path makes that even more attainable. With this increasing demand, one local business has been trying for the last 10 years to help meet and aid in this increase in interest. That business is Williamsport Bicycle Recycle, located in the Pajama Factory complex.
Williamsport Bicycle Recycle is a community bike shop dedicated to serving the needs of our local residents. It began 10 years ago at the Williamsport YMCA when David Stone, who was then on their board, proposed the idea to start a bike recycle shop. He and his wife, Louisa, expanded their community efforts by organizing the Tour de Bill, a fun event to celebrate biking and show off the interesting neighborhoods of Williamsport.
“When the Y decided to sell the Arena where the shop was located, we needed to find a new home. Fortunately, the Winkelmans, who had recently purchased the Pajama Factory, had space and were willing to offer it to us at an affordable price,” Louisa Stone told Webb Weekly. “We joined the nonprofit Factory Works. We have been happily located there for the past 10 years. Recently, we formed a separate nonprofit, Williamsport Bicycle Recycle Inc., to become more focused on Williamsport Bicycle Recycle Inc., to become more focused on our mission.”
A talented group of volunteers is the core of the success of their shop. They are officially open on Tuesdays from 3 to 7 p.m. But they are informally open wherever we can get volunteers to come in. If their lights are on, they welcome customers.
The shop has tools, bike stands, and a good supply of new and used parts to handle most repairs.
“Our main function is to help people repair their bikes. They arrive with a bike with a flat tire, a chain that has fallen off, brakes that don’t work, or a shifter that is stuck. We work with them to make the necessary repairs. They leave with a functioning bike and some knowledge of how to fix it themselves. All this is done for a reasonable price,” said Stone.
The group also holds workshops to help out bikers.
According to Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy, local bicyclists spent part of a recent Saturday afternoon at Williamsport Bicycle Recycle’s space at the Pajama Factory. The group had signed up for a workshop offered jointly by Williamsport Bicycle Recycle (WBR) and the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC).
Volunteers from WBR reviewed a basic bike maintenance checklist. Then each participant had the opportunity to run through the checklist on their bike with help from a WBR volunteer.
WBR volunteer and NPC board member, Steve Young coordinated the event. “As an NPC board member I see the projects NPC takes on with our partners to improve access to the Pine Creek Rail Trail and improve the experience for riders on the Trail. I thought a workshop that would help bike riders learn more about their bike could also introduce them to NPC and our work.”
Steve Young explained, “Having a bike repair station with an air pump and basic tools along the Trail will hopefully help a rider get a broken bike back to their car a little more quickly. We stress routine bike maintenance and checking your bike before leaving home, but things happen while you’re riding.”
One participant had his son along. “It’s great that Williamsport Bicycle Recycle lets you work on your own bike using their tools with their supervision,” said Jeff Kane. “I understand the basics of keeping a bicycle on the road but appreciate having someone who can help me figure things out. We’ve donated his old bikes here in the past, and I think we found a new-to-him bike here today.”
Abigail Davids, a WBR bord member and officer, explained, “We really enjoy doing these workshops. They help us help bike riders. We’re always looking for more volunteer mechanics. The more volunteer mechanics we have, the more hours we can be open to help the community.”
At the shop, people donate bikes that they no longer need. Frequently, they need repairs. Their volunteers inspect them and make them functional and safe to ride. Customers leave with them, and they price them to make them affordable price.
Bike repairs, sales, and cash donations generate enough revenue to pay the rent, pay for insurance, and buy supplies.
“We also support our community by hosting bike rodeos, giving refurbished bikes to area nonprofits, and advocating for improving bike infrastructure,” concluded Stone.
