Experiencing Oberlin College without a bike can drastically change your daily rhythm. Imagine navigating campus on foot for weeks, constantly rushing between buildings, and arriving late to every commitment. While it might sound exaggerated, having a bike truly transforms the Oberlin experience. Living in Tank, a charming Victorian residence hall known for its community and dining, also means a 12-minute walk to classes – a routine that previously involved bundling up in layers and grabbing a quick breakfast on the go just to make it on time. Initially, the assumption was that getting a bike would solve the cold commute issue. However, while biking does shorten the travel time, the increased speed intensifies the bite of the wind. Nevertheless, the constant walking between classes, work, rugby practice, and back to Tank was undeniably exhausting. The inability to be punctual due to distances between locations became a significant frustration.
Then, the eagerly awaited email from the Bike Co-op arrived, announcing bike rentals. Signing up was an immediate decision. This article aims to highlight the profound impact of having a bike at Oberlin, thanks to the accessibility provided by the student-run Bike Co-Op. The Co-op is located behind Keep, past the parking area near Stevie. Its location is easily identifiable by the collection of bikes surrounding the building – some are older models showing signs of rust, while others are neatly arranged against the walls. Inside, you’ll find walls equipped with tools and a soundtrack of music, creating a vibrant atmosphere of repair and maintenance. Despite the sheer number of bikes, it’s evident they are meticulously cared for. At the start of each semester, the Bike Co-op organizes bike rentals, offering a selection of bikes to students for a nominal fee of $15, along with a refundable $20 deposit upon the bike’s return. Choosing a bike is an exciting process. You select a bike that seems like a good fit and take it for a spin, much like test-driving a car. After a few laps around the parking lot, often accompanied by expressions of excitement about the prospect of having a bike, you continue testing a few more until you find the perfect match.
After selecting my bike, finding a lock, and bringing it back to Tank, I discovered it had no gears visible on the rear wheel. It seemed stuck in the lowest gear, and my limited bike knowledge left me unsure how to adjust it. Knowing the Bike Co-op was the place to go for help, I returned later in the week with friends facing similar bike dilemmas. The Co-op typically has student volunteers during office hours, who are knowledgeable about bike mechanics and proficient with the array of tools available. Upon explaining my gear issue, the co-opers quickly identified my bike as a newer model with internally housed gears. Within minutes, the bike was inverted, and with a few wrenches, they were disassembling the rear wheel mechanism. Crucially, the Bike Co-op experience is educational. The student mechanics don’t just fix your bike for you; they involve you in the repair process, encouraging you to use the tools and understand the components. With patience, the co-oper explained the intricacies of internal bike gears. Together, we replaced a rod inside the gear shift and reassembled the wheel of my newly acquired bike. As someone with minimal bike repair experience, I now possess a basic understanding of how my bike works, which is invaluable when issues like a slipped chain or erratic gear changes occur.
Beyond the practical assistance, visiting the Bike Co-op is always a positive experience. This appreciation for the co-op stems from the fact that they make having a bike on campus possible, which in turn allows access to Oberlin’s renowned bike path. This path extends for miles in two directions, eventually connecting to neighboring towns, making it ideal for day-long cycling adventures. The path is predominantly flat, offering segments shaded by trees and stretches that open up to the expansive Ohio countryside. There’s a unique sense of tranquility in having a long, car-free path ahead, often with minimal other cyclists or pedestrians. While opportunities to use the bike path are sometimes limited by time, whenever I do, the abundance of nature and fresh air creates a feeling of expanded time. Riding amidst vibrant fall foliage along an open path provides a sense of peace rarely found elsewhere.
In essence, the long bike rides, punctuality in class, and even a rudimentary understanding of bike mechanics are all thanks to the Bike Co-op. This piece is not just a reflection on the value of having a bike at Oberlin, but also an invitation to explore the bike path, visit the Bike Co-op, and perhaps, even start arriving to class on time.
Alt text: A variety of bicycles for rent and repair are parked outside the Oberlin College Bike Co-op, showcasing the accessible and community-focused nature of the co-op bike program.
Alt text: At the Oberlin Bike Co-op workshop, a student learns hands-on bike repair skills, guided by experienced co-op members, fostering a DIY approach to bike maintenance and co op bike ownership.
Alt text: A cyclist enjoys a peaceful ride along the scenic Oberlin bike path, highlighting the recreational and stress-relieving benefits of having a co op bike for exploring Oberlin’s natural surroundings.
