What do community bike shops mean to the community? Exploring the patrons' perspective

A Community Bike Shop (CBS) is a local organization that aims to reduce accessibility barriers to bicycles in the community to support patrons' and the community's well being. There is very limited literature available to fully understand the impacts that CBSs have in their communities. Our study sought to explore the impact of CBSs from the perspective of patrons. A phenomenological approach was used to collect descriptive data from patrons through an online survey using open and closed survey questions. There were 12 CBS locations in Canada and the United States, and 155 patrons who participated in the survey. Data was analyzed to answer the research question using conductive analysis. Four common themes emerged as the impacts of CBS from the data, which were: a) improved access to bikes; b) community building; c) skill development; and d) confidence and empowerment. CBSs impact appears to extend beyond the personal level as it provides a space and services that participates in reducing health inequities in their community. •Community bike shops offer patrons bikes and bike services and a low cost.•Cycling has health benefits that everyone should have the ability to experience.•Social supports are available with community bike shops.•The positive outcomes of a community bike shops extend beyond making cycling more accessible.•Communities and the environment benefit from the services and operations of community bike shops.