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.

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.

Vision Statement

The Mobo Bicycle Cooperative envisions a world made healthier through the increase of people using bicycles for environmental, social, creative and practical purposes. We believe that cycling and its benefits should be made equally accessible to people from all walks of life. We see that the promotion of the social and educational aspects of cycling creates empowered individuals and communities. We see the intrinsic value cycling has for developing community, and we acknowledge that as our culture and infrastructure become more inclusive of bicycles, quality of life is enhanced for all.

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, cleaners, 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.

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 (accept at our yearly Bike Sale).

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?

Open Shop happens twice a week, Wednesdays 6-9pm and Sundays 2-5pm. We also have a Women’s Open Shop the first Saturday of every month from 2pm-5pm and the third Thursday of every month from 6pm-9pm.

Additionally, MoBo is open for Co-op Night on Tuesdays from 6-9pm, though this shop time is reserved for all activities besides personal projects. It’s a time for pitching in to do the work necessary to keep this place going. We also schedule community meetings and events, volunteer work parties, workshops, etc. during Co-op Night.

In the summer we are open for Kids’ Day on Mondays from 5-8pm. For 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 Welcome page of our website or our Facebook 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 origin 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 its own board.  The elected board is comprised of eight hardworking and committed volunteers: Rob Grossman, Ellie Jones, Danny Berchenko, Alex Nava, Laura Collins, Alex Temple, Ian Surra and Anna Geimeier.  Elections are held yearly.  Email mobobicyclecoop@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.

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-sufficiency.  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

***Sorry for the old facts.  As of January 2011, the all time membership is around 600, and there are roughly 250+ active members.