Mission

The F-M Community Bicycle Workshop is a community-run learning space, committed to the reclamation and distribution of recycled bicycles by providing tools, education and an inclusive space for all members of our diverse community. Through popular education we aim to promote the ideals of empowerment through self-reliance, sustainability, healthful living and anti-oppression politics in the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area.
Values And Beliefs

We believe that the simple act of building and riding a bicycle is a first step towards a more socially and economically equitable future for the Fargo-Moorhead communities, one to which every community member is capable of contributing. We believe that by providing a space staffed by experienced volunteers and educating community members on the art of bicycle maintenance, we are teaching people to believe in themselves and their community, thus empowering them to build on the connections they make in the shop and in the streets, riding their bikes. We are committed to being anti-racist, anti-sexist, class-conscious, and queer- and gender-inclusive, and believe that all oppressions are interrelated and any oppression is ultimately hurtful to all. We aim to provide an inclusive and accessible space that is aware of these oppressions and actively works to deal with them accordingly. We appreciate bicycles for all the things they symbolize: liberation, freedom, community, independence, transportation to a new life, a sustainable future and an equitable future.

Description:
The FMCBW puts sustainable, affordable, and healthy transportation within reach for all members of the community. Our activities include, but are not limited to some of the following radical programs:

•Open Shop: As a collectively run community gathering and learning space, the FMCBW offers tools, equipment and expertise, but does not provide services; patrons are expected to do their own wrenching, share their expertise, and treat each other with care and respect.
• Earn-A-Bike: Qualifying patrons are fitted to an appropriate bike and are lead through the process of overhauling the bike step-by-step. Once the bike has been completed and safety checked, it is theirs to keep.
To qualify, adults must have a referral from a Social Service Agency or pass our simple needs assessment. Youth qualify if their parents self-report that they qualify for free or reduced lunches, as indicated by the patron’s waiver.
• Work Trade: Volunteers are welcomed to trade their labor in exchange for bikes, parts and shop use. It is available to those that do not qualify for the EAB program but prefer a non-monetary method of exchange for FMCBW goods.
•Community Events, Education and Outreach: Through popular education, the FMCBW offers classes throughout the year. We offer a pedal-powered mobile shop that can it can deploy anywhere throughout the area, and offer onsite clinics, tune-ups and expert advice.
•Advocacy: In partnership with pro-bike/ped organizations, cycling clubs and citizens groups, the FMCBW fully and actively supports efforts to create a more bike-friendly city and world.

History:
Founded as a collective in 2007, and operating currently under a fiscal agency agreement with the Metro Youth Partnership (thanks, Deb!), the FMCBW is a rapidly growing community center and bicycle workshop where all people of our diverse community are welcome to learn, work, and shape our future.

Contact people:

Pete Morsch, Assistant, (701) 866-0962, (email) Sara Watson, Assistant, (701) 261-9417, (email)

Address:

1418 1st Avenue North Fargo, ND 58102 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.fmbikeworkshop.org

Directions:

We Are MOVING! So we'll frequently be between spaces (1303 1st Ave North - old location, and 1418 1st Avenue North (new location). Please see our website for directions and details. www.fmbikeworkshop.org   Nearest Bus Stop: Corner of 1st Ave N and 10th Street, .5 mi minute walk