For any student at Oberlin College, a bike isn’t just a mode of transport—it’s a complete game-changer. Speaking from experience, those weeks spent navigating campus on foot felt like an eternity. Every trek between buildings was a mini-marathon, and punctuality became a distant dream. Perhaps it sounds exaggerated, but trust me, a bike transforms the Oberlin experience. Living in Tank, a charming yet wonderfully remote Victorian residence, means a good 12-minute walk to classes. My pre-bike routine involved a rapid-fire dressing session, layering up against the Ohio chill, grabbing some granola for breakfast on the go, and bracing myself for the cold. Even after acquiring a bike, the misconception that cycling would negate the cold quickly vanished. While the journey is shorter, the increased speed intensifies the biting wind. However, the sheer exhaustion from constant walking between classes, work, rugby practice, and back to Tank was undeniably draining. The inability to be on time, simply due to distances between North Fields, Tank, and academic buildings, was becoming a real issue.
Then, the email arrived—a beacon of hope in my inbox: the Bike Co-op’s rental announcement. Signing up was instantaneous. This isn’t just a personal reflection on my newfound appreciation for my bike; it’s about highlighting how incredibly accessible bikes are to Oberlin students thanks to the Bike Co-op. Nestled behind Keep, past the Stevie parking lot, the Co-op’s physical space is hard to miss. A collection of bikes, some vintage and gracefully rusting, others neatly arranged, marks its location. Inside, the atmosphere is buzzing with tools and music. Despite the sheer volume of bikes, it’s evident they are lovingly maintained and repaired. At the start of each semester, this entirely student-run initiative offers bike rentals. For a mere $15, plus a refundable $20 deposit, students can secure a bike for the semester. Choosing your bike feels like visiting a high-end car dealership, but with two wheels. You select a potential candidate, take it for a spin around the parking lot, and maybe let out a celebratory shout at the prospect of freedom on wheels. This process repeats until you find the perfect match.
After selecting my trusty steed, grabbing a lock, and bringing it ‘home’, a slight issue emerged: no gears. The bike seemed stuck in the lowest gear, and gear mechanics were a mystery to me. But I knew exactly where to go for help: the Bike Co-op. A few days later, accompanied by equally bike-perplexed friends, we returned to the Co-op. Student volunteers staff the Co-op throughout the day, and their bike knowledge is impressive. They navigate the wall of tools with ease. Upon explaining my gear situation, the co-opers quickly identified my bike as a newer model with internal gears. In minutes, my bike was upside down, and with a few expert wrench turns, the rear wheel assembly was being disassembled. The most valuable takeaway from the Bike Co-op is the knowledge you gain. The student mechanics don’t just whisk your bike away for repairs; they involve you in the process, encouraging you to use the tools and understand the mechanics yourself. With remarkable patience, the co-oper explained the intricacies of internal bike gears. Together, we replaced a part within the gear shift and reassembled the wheel of my now-beloved bike. As someone with minimal bike mechanic experience, I now possess a basic understanding of how my bike functions, even when the chain decides to misbehave or the gears shift unexpectedly.
Beyond the practical assistance, visiting the Bike Co-op is always a positive experience. It’s through their efforts that I, and many others, have a bike on campus, granting access to the scenic Oberlin bike path. This semi-famous path extends for miles in both directions, eventually connecting to neighboring towns, making for fantastic day-long cycling adventures. The path itself is a beautiful mix of tree-lined canopies and expansive Ohio countryside vistas. There’s a unique tranquility in having a long, open path ahead, free from cars and often people. While bike path excursions aren’t as frequent as I’d like, when I do find the time, the immersion in nature and fresh air creates a sense of expanded time. Surrounded by vibrant fall foliage, speeding down an open path provides a sense of peace rarely found elsewhere.
In essence, the extended bike rides, my newfound punctuality, and even my budding understanding of bike mechanics are all thanks to the Bike Co-op. This piece is not just an expression of gratitude for having a bike at Oberlin, but also an invitation to explore the bike path, visit the Bike Co-op, and perhaps, even arrive at class on time.
