July 8, 2020 – Story & Photos:  Jason H.

Back in March of this year, due to COVID19, Garran’s contracting job was put on hold. With the extra time, he and his wife Stephanie decided to start a neighborhood Bicycle Cooperative or Bike co-op. Garran started repairing bicycles in his garage and setting the bikes on their property’s curb for anyone to come by and have for free. The neighborhood responded enthusiastically and was incredibly supportive and grateful. I recently crossed paths with them.

Garran and Stephanie, are initially from Topeka, Kansas. They have lived in Wichita for about seven years. I’ve noticed the positive comments on social media; it’s apparent Garran and Stephanie have brought a refreshing spirit to their neighborhood because of their generosity. I asked Garran how the Bike co-op started, “I was looking for a hobby after C19 came about,” he says. “My wife bought a bike, and I started helping work on it. I was fortunate to get some bikes and tools donated to me. My son and daughter have enjoyed helping by test riding the bikes after repaired.” Garran continues, “One day, this guy I didn’t even know, just showed up with a large box of tools and gave them to me.” Stephanie commented on the adjustments people had to make, “I felt like there was a need for people to go outside and be with each other. Especially kids. Riding bikes gives a sense of freedom.”

Bike co-ops have been around for many years and are worldwide. Early variations of bike co-ops have existed as early as 1883 in Vienna, Austria. There are many types of Bike co-ops. Traditionally they are places where you can learn to work on your bicycle, get parts, and repair. Some larger cooperatives sometimes employ regular staff and are usually sustained by volunteers.

Stephanie took to social media platforms to get the word out about their Bike co-op. The response from neighbors was immense. She explains, “We’ve probably given away 75 bikes so far. The neighbors have been extremely supportive. Several have donated bikes, including Bike Walk Wichita. One local farmer donated a steel bicycle rack, which replaced our wooden pallet by the curb. I’ve talked to people on social media, and they’ve said that it makes them feel good to see something kind going on in their neighborhood. It’s motivating to give bikes to those that normally wouldn’t get them.”

“We’ve met a lot of people and had conversations that I normally would not have otherwise. In general, I think we’ve all become more neighborly.”

Inside Garran’s garage, a few bikes and bike parts are ready for the next repair or bike build. They started receiving many donated parts from the community a few months ago, and now things have tapered off. Garran proudly pulls out an old yellow 70’s Huffy road bike with cruiser style handlebars and states, “I’m not going to sell this one, but fix it up. It was my Grandfather’s bike who died when I was very young. So this bike is a good memory for me.” I notice a hard hat sitting on the left shelf. He explains, “I’m a construction contractor, specifically a Power Lineman.” Up until March, Garran had been working steadily. Like many people, he’s had to adjust his working hours because of companies’ social distancing. Luckily, he has since started getting back to work. He plans to keep the Bike co-op going as time permits and get additional bike donations. Garran, “I’m still open to repairing bikes as well.”

Stephanie has since printed a new Bike co-op sign, which sits next to the bike rack. Garran continues about the co-op, “When people come by, I’m able to meet and talk with neighbors. People know I’m here to help. I encourage getting outdoors with each other, and we have seen that.” Stephanie, “We’ve met a lot of people and had conversations that I normally would not have otherwise. In general, I think we’ve all become more neighborly.”

– Story: Jason H.