Bike Shop for Youth Program Coming in 2019

posted 8/24/18 -- Lorain County Community Action Agency's Youth Services Program will expand in 2019 with a new social enterprise designed to provide young men and women with work experience while serving their community.

The 1902 Modern Building on West 10th Street, behind LCCAA's headquarters at 936 Broadway Ave., will be transformed into a bicycle repair and retail shop to be operated by the youth.

Plans have been approved by City Council and renovation has begun on the historic building, most recently used as a commercial laundry.

"The structure is very strong and the plan to transform the interior is truly stunning," said LCCAA CEO Jackie Boehnlein. "Our youth program participants are excited for the opportunities this presents."

The first floor of the building will be a retail space where used bikes are repaired and resold. The space will also include a mezzanine level classroom for the youth program where participants can hold meetings or hear speakers. The building will be leased from United Property Management, Boehnlein said.

Participants in the Youth Services Program have begun preparing for the opening of the shop by attending workshops this summer at the Elyria Bicycle Center. Ed Stewart teaches maintenance workshops that cover basic bicycle maintenance, tires and tubes, hub, rear sprockets, wheel truing, pedals, cranks and bottom brackets, chains, derailleur systems, rim caliper brake systems and headsets.

"Our students have gotten an overview of many aspects of bicycle maintenance," said Youth Services Program Coordinator Bobby Taylor. "This is an excellent class for someone with a relatively modern or brand new bike who wishes to learn about maintenance."

Work experience at the new bike shop will be coordinated through Lorain County Ohio Means Jobs, Boehnlein said. Meanwhile, LCCAA has launched a Go Fund Me campaign to raise money to purchase tools and supplies for the shop. To donate, please visit gofundme.com.

LCCAA is not accepting bicycle donations at this time.