I went to a volunteer meeting at Community Bike Shop Omaha (CBSO) this morning. The organizers hosted a series of these meetings as a part of their latest efforts to increase volunteer resources and improve the service hours of the shop.

What they do is pretty noble. With the help of grants and local donors, the shop opened up 2 years ago in the somewhat downtrodden Gifford Park neighborhood of Midtown Omaha. The organizers renovated a blighted residential home (a couple of doors South of California Tacos on 33rd Street) and began stocking up on resources to repair bikes for the neighborhood.

The goal of the organization is to empower kids and adults alike with the knowledge and skills needed to keep their bikes in good working order. The group realizes the power of the bicycle as a positive activity for children and an emancipating form of transportation for those without cars.

Each Wednesday evening and Saturday afternoon the shop opens their doors and invites guests in to learn how to fix their bikes. Guests work hand-in-hand with volunteer mechanics to fix everything from flat tires to broken cranks. Parents are invited to watch their children learn. The offers a fundamental service, but it also provides mentoring and a positive environment for kids who may not always have these opportunities.

I’m a big fan of what they are doing. I’ve had a near lifelong interest in bicycles, and really appreciate what riding bikes did for me as a kid and young adult. And today, as gas prices rise and the cost of car ownership becomes prohibitive, I also realize the power and efficiency of the bicycle for transportation. As our economy suffers the impact of rising food and energy prices, it becomes clear low income segments of our community suffer the most.

I look forward to my first opportunity to volunteer as a mechanic at CBSO. I want to be a part of the great work that they do.

You Can Help
If you are interested in volunteering, or if you are interested in contributing bikes or money, please visit their website to learn more.

Tags: bicycles, community bike shop omaha, midtown omaha, volunteer