Business Details
16 Years
experience
Your Community Bike Shop for Repair, Sales & Education
Vlocity Bicycle Cooperative is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization dedicated to building an inclusive biking community through education, affordability, and sustainability. Founded in 2010, we provide DIY bike repair workshops, professional maintenance services, and refurbished bicycle sales while prioritizing community outreach through youth programs, bike donations, and recycling initiatives. Our mission emphasizes making cycling accessible to all by offering low-cost services, tax-deductible donation opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences.With two locations in Alexandria and Arlington, Virginia, we rely on over 150 active volunteers annually to support our operations and community programs. Our team combines decades of cycling expertise with a commitment to environmental stewardship, having refurbished and redistributed over 1,000 bicycles to low-income families since our inception. We maintain partnerships with local government agencies and nonprofits to expand cycling education and infrastructure in the Washington, DC metro area.
Services
DIY Bike Repair
Professional Maintenance
Bike Sales
Parts Recycling
Youth Programs
Community Outreach
E-Bike Repairs
Bike Scholarships
Maintenance Courses
Donation Services
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We offer $15/hour DIY bike repair access with tools and volunteer guidance
- Our professional mechanics provide transparent pricing with tune-ups starting at $45
- We've distributed over 1,000 refurbished bikes to low-income families since 2010
- Our volunteer-run model keeps service costs 40% below average market rates
- We maintain a 98% customer satisfaction rate through personalized service
What people say
Affordable pricing
Knowledgeable staff
Community impact
Educational value
Welcoming atmosphere
Services
DIY Bike Repair
Our volunteer-guided DIY repair shop provides tools, stands, and expertise for cyclists to maintain their bikes. Open Wednesday evenings, we offer a welcoming environment for all skill levels to learn maintenance while saving money. Donations support our community programs and keep this service accessible.
Professional Maintenance
Certified mechanics perform comprehensive repairs from basic adjustments to complete overhauls. Services include brake tuning, gear calibration, and wheel truing with transparent pricing starting at $45. We prioritize same-day service for most repairs during peak cycling season.
Bike Sales
We sell professionally refurbished bikes at community-friendly prices, with adult models ranging $150-$400 and children's bikes $50-$150. Every purchase supports our outreach programs, and all bikes come with a 30-day warranty on refurbished components.
Youth Programs
Our annual bike donation program provides refurbished bicycles and safety gear to low-income children. Partnering with local agencies, we distribute over 200 bikes annually while offering repair workshops to teach maintenance skills to young cyclists and their families.
Parts Recycling
We accept bicycle and component donations to refurbish for resale or redistribution. Donors receive tax-deductible receipts, and usable parts support our repair shop and community programs. Non-repairable materials get responsibly recycled through local partners.
People
Laura Berol
Acting Chairperson of the Board
Bicycle repair enthusiast with 19 years of experience, joining Vlocity in 2023 after learning at Community Bikes in Charlottesville. Advocates for community-driven bike culture and sustainable transportation solutions.
Joe Davison
Programs Committee Chair
Since 2015 volunteer and event coordinator, known for year-round commuting and technical expertise. Organizes community events that have increased youth participation in cycling programs by 40% over five years.
Christian Myers
Co-Founder & Shop Manager
Co-founded Vlocity in 2010 with 15 years of bike shop experience. Manages daily operations while leading community outreach initiatives that have expanded service access to underserved neighborhoods.
John Patterson
Co-Founder
International development consultant and cycling advocate who co-founded Vlocity in 2010. Provides strategic guidance from California while maintaining active board involvement in organizational planning.
Marty DeVine
Bike Scholarship Chair
Board member since 2015 focused on accessibility programs. Developed the bike scholarship initiative that has provided complete cycling kits to over 300 financially challenged individuals since inception.
Questions
Do you offer bike repair classes?
Yes, we provide hands-on maintenance courses covering basic repairs, tire changes, and gear adjustments. Check our website for upcoming class schedules and registration details.
Can I donate used bike parts?
We accept bicycle donations in any condition. Usable parts get refurbished for resale while unusable materials are recycled. Donors receive tax-deductible receipts for their contributions.
Are appointments required for repairs?
No appointments needed. Our first-come, first-served system typically handles minor repairs within 1-2 hours during off-peak times.
Do you sell new bike parts?
Yes, we stock essential new components including tubes, cables, and lubricants at below-market prices to support both DIYers and professional mechanics.
How do community service hours work?
Volunteers assist with shop organization, inventory management, and basic repairs. Contact our shop manager to schedule participation and complete required orientation.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, credit cards, and mobile payments. Sorry, we don't offer financing options but maintain prices 20-40% below average market rates.
