So, what does the bicycle co-op do?
The co-op is about helping people help themselves. The co-op provides a central place for people to come to rescue bicycles and learn how to fix and maintain them. The volunteer mechanics do not fix bikes for people; they help guide members who are working on their own bicycle projects. The co-op also works for bicycle advocacy, and organizes rides, social events, and contests. Most importantly, we concentrate on empowering people, getting them on bicycles, and having fun.
OK, so how does it work?
The first step is to become a member by paying $20 annual membership fee. This gives members access to the shop, tools, cleanders, grease, mechanics’ knowledge and much more to help them work on their bikes. Members who do not own a bicycle can adopt one of the many donated bicycles, parts, and accessories at very modest prices. Kids receive free help maintaining their bikes during our summer Kids’ Day program, which runs weekly throughout the summer.
And what doesn’t the co-op do?
First and foremost, the co-op is not a replacement for a retail bicycle shop. If you are looking for a new bicycle and someone else to service it, we recommend one of the many specialized bike shops in the area that offer professional services. See our links for a list of specialty bike shops in Greater Cincinnati.
The co-op is not a place to drop off a bike to have serviced. Volunteer mechanics are there to help you, but they will not do the work. We will offer assessment and advice for drop-ins, and we will not turn people away due to lack of funds. Finally, the co-op does not sell reconditioned bicycles.
That said, we hope to take some of the mystery out of bicycles and help people get the most out of bicycling.
When is Open Shop?
The shop is open Tuesdays 6pm-9pm, Wednesdays 6pm-9pm, and Sundays 2-5. We have a Women’s Night once a month on the third Thursday from 6pm-9pm. In the summer we are open for Kids Night on Mondays from 5-8. All other open shop times, youth under sixteen must be supervised by an adult. For specific dates and VERY INFREQUENT shop closings, please see the events page.
What does “MoBo” stand for?
It looks like an acronymn, but it’s not. “MoBo” was the nickname of Justin Morioka, in whose memory MoBo was founded. When asked the orgin of the nickname, a source concludes “it was just kind of funky and goofy and that fit Justin”.
Who’s in charge here anyway?
MoBo is a program of The Village Green, but is governed by it’s own board. The elected board is comprised of nine hardworking and committed volunteers: Rich Borthwick, Meghan Coil, Gabriel Freeman, Nathan Kemphus, Jess Linz, Ben Nava, Lucia Palmarini, Katie Vogel and John Wood. Elections are held yearly in May. Email mobogovernance[AT]gmail.com to find out how you can get more involved.
MoBo Bicycle Co-op is a collective, which means that we are ”a group of people who share or are motivated by at least one common issue or interest, or work together on a specific project(s) to achieve a common objective. Collectives attempt to share and exercise political and social power and to make decisions on a consensus-driven and egalitarian basis” (wikipedia).
So, in short, we are all in charge.
Do you guys sell bikes?
No. We do not sell bicycles. We do, however, have bicycles that are up for adoption by members. Adopting a bicycle means committing to repairing and reconditioning a donated bicycle from whatever state it’s in to a safe, ridable condition. Once the bicycle has been fully restored and a volunteer mechanic has approved that it is safe to ride, you may take the bicycle home with you in exchange for a small donation. Donations for full bicycles range from $20-50 and are up to the discretion of the MoBo volunteer on duty. If you are in need of a bicycle but are unable to donate funds, you can volunteer to fulfill your donation. MoBo does not guarantee availbility of bicycles that are up for adoption. We rely solely on donated bicycles and parts and may not always have exactly what you’re looking for. For more information on our adoption policy, ask a MoBo volunteer at the shop.
Are my cash or bicycle donations to Mobo tax-deductable?
Absolutely! Bring your donation by during Open Shop and the volunteer at the desk can provide you with a receipt.
I love it. How can I get more involved?
First, congratulate yourself for making a great decision. Then, fill out the form on the Volunteer page. Or fill out a hard copy at the shop. (The desk volunteer can show you where they are.) This lets us know specifically what kinds of things you’d like to do for MoBo.
My question wasn’t answered here. Help me out.
Was your question about an upcoming MoBo event or about inviting MoBo to your organization’s event? Please write to mobobicyclecoop[AT]gmail.com
Public relations, media, or press questions? prformobo[AT]gmail.com
The shop itself? shopformobo[AT]gmail.com
Our mechanics? mechanicsformobo[AT]gmail.com
Governance? governanceformobo[AT]gmail.com
Becoming a MoBo volunteer? volunteersformobo[AT]gmail.com
Becoming a member? Getting our e-newsletter? mobobicyclecoop[AT]gmail.com
Mission statement
The MoBo Bicycle Cooperative is a non-profit volunteer-run cooperative dedicated to making cycling accessible and practical to everyone in the greater Cincinnati area. We build community by providing a welcoming and communal workspace, knowledgeable staff, and the tools and parts for cyclists of all ages and skill levels to repair, maintain and acquire bicycles. Members learn from and teach one another by sharing knowledge and experience. Mobo facilitates healthy and sustainable transportation through bicycle programs, events, and advocacy in our immediate community and beyond.
History
MoBo Bicycle Co-op was formed by a dedicated group of volunteers in the Spring of 2007 in memory of Justin Morioka, a friend to bicycles, Northside and self-sufficency. Startup funding donated in Justin’s name was used to buy tools to get the shop started. The Village Green Foundation, a community garden facility located in Northside, invited MoBo to join their non-profit and offered an empty garage on-site to operate a community bicycle shop. The Village Green’s mission is to bring together diverse members of the community around a common commitment to community building, urban agriculture and access to healthy food for all residents of the community. MoBo Bicycle Co-op and the Village Green formed a natural union by a common belief in sharing community resources, increasing self sufficiency and advocating for a healthier, greener world.
Factsheet
Number of new Members in 2008: 221
Number of Youth Members served in 2008: 54
Number of bicycles distributed in 2008: 40
Number of Volunteer hours logged in 2008: 3000 +
Total adult membership as of March 2009: 375