In my other life, I'm a bike mechanic.

I take it for granted because whenever something goes wrong with my bike I can fiddle with it until it works correctly again. After years of working in the bike industry, I have amassed all of the tools I need (almost), and can figure out how to fix pretty much any bike problem that comes up. My interest in getting around by bike started just before I started working in shops too, so I have never taken my bike in for a tune-up. I've always just done it myself.

What I didn't realize is how difficult it can be for some people to get their bikes fixed. As much as bike shops try to be open, inclusive spaces (and I can say that the vast, vast majority of them are), people who aren't as immersed in the bike world still feel intimidated and just opt to let their bikes sit in the garage when something mechanical goes wrong. It's not the fault of bike shops, they're doing a great job of promoting inclusivity and every one I go into wants to make cycling in the Valley better. For people who are outside of the bike world, however, those messages just don't land.

There are a few tools in the cycling activist's toolbox to make bike resiliency more accessible. One of them is the bike co-op. These non-profit bike shops offer cheap used parts, repairs, repair courses and shop and tool rentals. As a shameless plug, I'm offering free bike repairs with help from the Comox Valley Community Foundation's Neighbourhood Small Grants program (send me an email if you want a tune-up). While this isn't a bike co-op, I don't take donation parts or bikes and I don't have space to operate a community-run bike shop, it's something at least. I also want to do a few educational events in the future, but haven't nailed down any dates or times yet.

Another useful tool is good community cycling infrastructure. This means separated and protected bike lanes — painted lanes are not nearly enough — that put a barrier between people on bikes and people in cars. Good bike racks that are solid, bolted down and easily accessible at many businesses, parks and other destinations are another great option. Finally, the new bike repair station in Comox is another great bit of infrastructure.

No matter what, something is going to go wrong on a bike. Derailleurs get out of alignment, cables stretch, brake pads wear out, and tires get low. While it is good to have the know-how to tackle these repairs yourself, not having the space and tools to do the work is a major barrier to a lot of would-be bike mechanics. Now, at least, you can take your bike to the Comox Community Centre and have access to all of the tools you need to get yourself rolling again.

The Comox Valley has active transportation as a priority, and so far it is doing a good job at getting started. What we need now is more initiatives like the repair station. We need a network of safe and protected trails and lanes, particularly connecting residential areas in Courtenay east and outlying communities, we need secure bike storage areas, and we need cheap and accessible repair initiatives. Maybe if we had more things like these, we'd see fewer cars on the road and more people enjoying the freedom that comes with riding a bike.