It's been a few years since I've been inside the headquarters for the Bike Program operated by the Sisters of Saint Joseph Neighborhood Network. I'm back at this building on East 26th Street because I've heard that the wonderful bike program is expanding and rebranding.

It was ten years ago that the Neighborhood Network was approached by the local bicycle advocacy group BikeErie. The two groups teamed up to receive donated bicycles, repair them, and then give them to disadvantaged people in the city. The sisters provided the space and BikeErie provided the volunteers.  Heather May Caspar, the Executive Director of Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network, says the program became a big success.

"We have given away 150 to 250 bikes a year,” she says. “We've had so many donations coming in that we've run out of space."

The Neighborhood Network realized that its bike program was growing and growing. The organization decided it was time to change to meet the greater need. The Sisters of Saint Joseph Bike Program recently became the Erie Bike Co-op. Garrett Raszmann, a loyal volunteer at the shop, was hired to lead the new project.

"Someone needed to run the program and I raised my hand,” he says with a laugh.

Here's what's new. The bikes donated and repaired here are now available to anyone, not just impoverished citizens. Full mechanical services are available. New and used parts are available. A do-it-yourself repair area is also offered. The cost for each service, including obtaining a bike, will be based on the ability to pay.

"Sliding scale, pay what you can,” says Garrett. “We still want to keep everything extremely equitable for everyone and affordable for everyone."

If you volunteer at the co-op, you can acquire credit for purchasing a bike, or for attending educational classes. Beginning in May, classes will be held on fixing a flat and basic bike mechanics. Also, hours have been expanded from being open only four hours on Wednesday to being open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

"That gives everyone, hopefully everyone, no matter when you work or go to school, an opportunity to be able to be included,” says Garrett.

The Neighborhood Network convinced the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority and the Erie Community Foundation to help finance the new bike co-op.  A new era at this workshop has begun. Everyone at the Neighborhood Network is proud of how far its Bike Program has come.

"We'll still be involved for sure and help be the support as much as needed and just hope that it grows beyond maybe needing us,” says Heather May.

The Grand Opening Kick-off of the Erie Bike Co-op is Saturday, March 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The highlight of the day will be the giveaway of 50 children's bikes. Also, bike tune-ups will be offered for a donation.

The new days and hours of operation for the Erie Bike Co-op are Wednesdays from 12 to 5pm. Thursdays from 4 to 8pm.  Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm.  An open house will be held every Tuesday until the end of the year to introduce people to the co-op. Hours for the Tuesday Open House are from 4 to 7 pm.  Donations of bicycles will be accepted on each of those days.