Used bicycles, low prices. The Third Hand Bicycle Co-op teaches riders how to get their hands dirty.
Third Hand, which started in June, refurbishes used and discarded bicycles and then sells them for a fraction of the original price. They also bring bicycle awareness and advocacy to the Columbus area.
Jonnie Ling, a founding member of Third Hand, said he first became interested in bike repair so he could fix his own bike. He uses his knowledge to teach other members how to disassemble and repair bikes.
“We put the bikes in the stands, and show the others how to do it. (Members) are typically able to help repair after that,” Ling said. “We’re teaching while we’re working.”
The price for a finished bike ranges from $40 to $60, he said.
Ling said the group has not sold many bikes, but has over 300 bikes in progress – each bike takes about one or two hours of work, with two mechanics to complete.
Third Hand relies on bicycle and monetary donations to help them get started. The Westerville Bike Club and Columbus Outdoor Pursuits have given the largest monetary donation of $500 each.
The Third Hand headquarters are tucked behind the Sound on Sound record store on the corner of Norwich Avenue and High Street. The group meets in its dusty confines to discuss cycling, repair bikes and show finished bikes to potential customers.
Third Hand also said it hopes to create awareness of cycling rules and regulations to the university and surrounding community. Group member Scott Lanski said they would like to have the university place signs indicating bike crossings and also improve bike rider advocacy around campus.
“I was sick of hearing about friends getting hit when it wasn’t their fault,” Lanski said. “I just think it’s something that needs to be addressed.”
Third Hand offers low- or no-cost bicycle repair services to the community. It also encourage anyone to learn how to repair the bikes themselves.
The group also sponsors the Earn-A-Bike youth program with BAER Wheels for the Salesian Boys and Girls Club of Columbus.
The program teaches kids how to fix bicycles and gives them a chance to earn their own bike by attending class. Each class attended is worth one point: after 25 points the child receives his own finished bike.
“The big part of Earn-A-Bike is getting kids involved in learning, having fun and at the same time reaching a goal,” said Ling, a teacher for the class.
The group is sponsoring a bike-riding event called “Critical Mass” tomorrow. The route begins at 5 p.m. on the corner of 15th Avenue and High Street. Riders can also join the trek at 5:30 p.m. on the corner of Broad Street and High Street. The ride will end at the group’s headquarters for a Halloween party.
“We’re doing good things with kids, promoting cycling, recycling, and it’s all grass roots,” said Lizandra Vidali, a member of the group.
Anyone interested in joining the Third Hand Bike Co-op, donating a bike or wanting help fixing their own bike should e-mail the group at [email protected].
