One of the joys of retirement is having the time to volunteer at worthwhile and interesting organizations.  I’m always on the lookout for new places to volunteer. I look for organizations where I can learn something new, help the community and hang out with friendly folks with whom I share common interests.  And if it helps kids, that’s a real bonus.

Recently, I started volunteering at the Bikes Together bike shop at 10th Ave and Osage St. in Lincoln Park.  You can buy a bike there (used and reasonably priced), get parts and get your bike fixed.  But it’s so much more. Bring your broken or out of tune bike there and the friendly volunteers and staff will help you to fix it – for free!  Bike stands, tools and a knowledgeable staff are there to help you get your bike back on the road. If you need a part you can sort through the large inventory of used bike parts to find a replacement.  

Bikes Together accepts bikes and bike part donations.  These bikes are made serviceable for resale. If a bike is beyond repair, bike parts are salvaged and added to the inventory.  Worn out bike parts are sent to the local scrap dealer. Bike tubes are patched when possible.

A Bike Rodeo is held each year where kids get a free bike, helmet and lock.  The program is open to kids 3-13 from low income families.

I’ve had a lifelong love affair with bikes.  As a child on a bike, it was my first taste of independence and freedom – riding around the neighborhood on a bike!  I believe it is so important to get kids in the bike culture as early as possible – for their health, to develop their independence and for the environment.

What can be Greener than Bikes Together – get people on bikes (and out of their cars), recycle bikes, and keep worn out bikes out of landfills.  

Stop by and say hi to the friendly and knowledgeable staff – Mac, Caitie, Kara – and the volunteers.  Check the website bikestogether.org, for shop hours.

Joe Lantz – 350 Denver Member