STORYLINE Help is on the way;The opening of the new Sacramento Bike Kitchen

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Building a new world with broken bikes

by John Boyer, published on January 17, 2009 at 11:17 AM

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The Sacramento Bike Kitchen (SBK) has been open for a week and the buzz is all over town. A DIY bike workshop that spreads bike culture with its unique approach to getting 'er done. Volunteers help YOU know your bike by showing you how to fix and maintain it. The result is that you are much more at cause over your 2 wheeled friend NOT the effect. Your affinity skyrockets for all things bicycling and simply cannot go anywhere unless it's on a bike. Well alright thats a little over the top but I hope you get my point.

At the kitchen we have a theory that most entry level bicyclists have had their hearts broken with the box store variety of bicycles that are not long for the dumpster. Poorly fitted and ill advised in keeping their bikes in working condition, most bikes from Walmart, Kmart etc. end up given away or even abandoned on the street. A once promising idea of going green filed away in the bad idea category of our memory banks.

We highly recommend one find a local bike shop and let them earn your business with their great service. Many come to mind like Steve Loebach from Carmichael cycles, Whit Brooks from the Bicycle Chef and Terry Cox from College Cyclery, just to name a few. These tireless experts can assist you in making your cycling goals come true. Others like Steve Rex can build a bike that's so beautiful you will never want to drive a car again.

The SBK is a nonprofit organization built on the goodwill of area bike enthusiasts. Our shop subsists or thrives on the donations of like minded folks that want to spread the idea that the bike is the most genius from for moving the body from A to B. We here have plans shoulder to shoulder with the local bicycle shops to increase the numbers of commuters that will make Sacramento the place it should be, a great place to live, work and play. A place free from noise polution, congestion, bad air and most importantly the disconnection from our fellow man. You see, a cyclist is more likely to wave at complete strangers on the road. He has so much fun he or she must share it with someone else!

Here at SBK our natural enemies are pollution, obesity, body apathy and doing nothing for the greater good. Our friends are all people who want to make a difference including those here at Sacpress who have given us the chance to blow our horn.

Please join us in making Sacramento the greatest biking city in California and then who knows what other goals we can tackle.

Portland and Amsterdam watch out!

John Boyer

SBK donations
1915 I street
(916)-442-3177

Donations gladly accepted 8-10am M-F and Wed,Thurs and Friday evenings 6-9PM

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January 17, 2009 | 10:11 PM
I am seeking a group of people who are interested in getting bikes in the hands of kids to ride to school. If you, or someone you know, would like to work to promote ridership amongst students, please contact me at pluckebaum@hotmail.com

Thank you,

Phil Pluckebaum
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January 19, 2009 | 11:21 AM
I'm not sure that's the best idea, for kids. While in theory it's great, pedestrians and bicyclists get hit a lot. As much as I'd like them to get exercise and use less energy, I'd feel better with them in cars or on buses.

Though, buses are horribly unsafe, too...sigh.
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edited on  January 18, 2009 | 10:31 AM
Phil, Once Sacbikekitchen grows deeper roots we will be taking on more responsibility for getting kids to ride to school. I work at Carmichael Cycle and I ask every kid that walks thru the door if they ride to school and if they say no I ask them what would have to happen in order for them to ride. Planting the idea is the first step and then acting on the idea is the next.

SAFETY is the concern and we need to erect a support system and arm these kids with riding skills.

We will be in touch.
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January 18, 2009 | 4:45 PM
Safe Routes to School has funds available for those schools that are in need of safer pathways, signage, crosswalks, etc. All these improvements must take place within 2 miles of the school. All you need to do is apply! The National Center for Safe Routes to School assists communities in developing successful Safe Routes to School strategies. Take advantage of this program while funds are available, so check out their website at http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/index.cfm

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January 19, 2009 | 4:09 PM
Ill be hitting up my local schools to participate. Thanks for the link bikeczar!
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January 19, 2009 | 4:27 PM
how much would it cost to get a bike built?
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January 21, 2009 | 4:54 PM
Not much Susan. Come in and pick a good bike that needs a little attention and a mechanic will show YOU how to get it up to safety standards. He or she will also advise you how to make it more comfortable i.e. seats, grips and pedal upgrades and fit you to the bike as well. But you will be taught a skill and thats very important in todays world.

Investing in ability is the best thing to do right now
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