Joe Thomsen trues a wheel at P2P.
This just in from Spokane’s only non-profit community bike shop:
Pedals2People Celebrating Sprague Shop Grand Opening
SPOKANE, WA — Pedals2People is holding an open house at its new Sprague location, and Empyrean Coffee, on April 9.
Pedals2People is celebrating the grand opening of its new shop on 1802 East Sprague in Spokane. It’s a two-part celebration, one taking place at the shop, the other at Empyrean Coffee on 171 South Washington. The event at the Pedals2People shop starts at 6:00 pm, and the Empyrean Coffee party kicks off at 7:00 pm.
At the Sprague shop, visitors can expect a silent auction featuring donated items from New Belgium Brewing Company, local artist Tiffany Patterson, and more. At the Empyrean, David Bazan and Hockey will be playing music, and visitors can check out the booth Pedals2People will have set up.
Pedals2People is a non-profit organization with an extensive base of volunteer biking enthusiasts. “What we offer customers is an easy, affordable way to get the most out of biking,” says Liza Mattana, co-founder of Pedals2People. “We’re all concerned about the environment, the economy, and health,” she says. “Biking is a fun way to contribute positively to the world. We’re providing a space for people to overcome barriers to enjoying bicycling. With the tools we provide, no one has to break their bank account to do it.”
The main activity of Pedals2People is a self-service shop where bicyclists can rent a table and a full suite of tools for $5 an hour Thursday through Saturday. Staff and volunteer assistants are on-hand to guide or lend help. Pedals2People offers free “Ladies Night” events at their shop.
“In an urban area, people might not have the space or resources to buy the tools they need,” Mattana says. “We provide personal assistance to people unfamiliar with bicycle maintenance. We don’t want anyone to feel left out because of their technical know-how. Biking is an activity we believe everyone has a right to enjoy.”
Pedals2People also engages in community services events, providing free bike tune-ups to under-privileged youth, and donation programs that provide bikes to developing nations, where transportation is badly needed.
“We have to look at our transportation, and ask, is this sustainable? Is this economical? Is this going to make my community a better place? Biking isn’t the final answer to all the world’s problems, but it can make a big positive change in people’s lives.” Mattana says.
For more information on Pedals2People, visit http://pedals2people.org, or e-mail pedals2people@gmail.com. To request an interview, or for other media needs, contact Sam Fletcher of Eyecatch Studio, at (509) 995-9174, or samuel.fletcher@me.com.
