Stepping into Bike Plant on Tompkins Avenue in Bed-Stuy is like entering a different world from the bustling streets of Brooklyn. At first glance, it’s exactly what you’d expect from a local bike repair shop: spare parts are neatly organized, bike frames lean against the walls, and an impressive array of tools and tires are ready for action. But Bike Plant offers more than just repairs; it cultivates a unique atmosphere that truly sets it apart from other bike shops in the city.
As the team members arrive to start their day, the air fills with laughter and friendly banter. Hugs are exchanged, jokes are cracked, and the sound of music from a small speaker often ignites spontaneous, informal dance moments. As the front door swings open, local cyclists begin to gather, seeking assistance and camaraderie. A prominent sign, declaring “COMMUNITY WILL SAVE US,” perfectly encapsulates the warmth and strong sense of togetherness that defines Bike Plant. This isn’t just a business; it’s a community hub centered around the love of bikes.
The storefront of Bike Plant in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, showcasing its welcoming community bike repair shop.
From Vancouver Roots to Brooklyn Community: The Bike Plant Story
When Robin Graven-Milne, the Canadian-born owner of Bike Plant, is asked about the origin of this unique community spirit, their initial response is a self-deprecating laugh and a simple, “I’m Canadian.” However, the story of Bike Plant is far richer than national stereotypes. While Graven-Milne always enjoyed cycling, it wasn’t until moving to Brooklyn in 2013 for their studies that bike repair transitioned from a hobby to a calling.
An unexpected opportunity arose when a roommate, employed at Haven Cycles in Bushwick, needed assistance. Graven-Milne, with a liberal arts degree and limited career options at the time, jumped at the chance. “I was not a mechanic. I had no idea what I was getting into at all,” Graven-Milne recalls. This initial foray into bike repair was a trial by fire, but Graven-Milne quickly absorbed the skills of not only fixing bikes but also managing the intricacies of a bike shop business. This dedication led to becoming a co-owner at Haven Cycles.
After three years, differing visions led Graven-Milne to depart from Haven Cycles. Facing an uncertain period of odd jobs, the realization dawned that bike repair was more than just a job; it was a way to contribute meaningfully to their adopted community. “It’s very satisfying to figure things out and fix something and then see someone riding the bike around,” Graven-Milne explains. “Like that person is there because I was able to fix their bike. It feels like I’m actually doing something.”
This sense of purpose fueled the bold decision to open a new venture during the challenging times of the pandemic. The name “Bike Plant” was chosen deliberately, reflecting multiple layers of meaning.
Robin Graven-Milne, the owner of Bike Plant, a community-focused bike shop in Brooklyn, photographed inside their shop.
“It’s something that’s growing and expanding, like a plant,” Graven-Milne elaborates. “But it’s also like a spy, like someone who’s a plant in society trying to spread their ideas.” In this context, the “ideas” Bike Plant cultivates are those of community support, accessible bike repair, and safe cycling for all.
Cultivating a Cycling Community Through Expertise and Care
Three years later, Bike Plant has firmly established itself as a vital and thriving hub within the local cycling community. Graven-Milne credits this success to their “small but mighty and diverse team of bike lovers and repair experts.” Embracing a collaborative leadership style, Graven-Milne admits, “I am not necessarily a natural-born leader. So I really rely on everyone to help improve the shop.” This collaborative spirit extends to every aspect of Bike Plant’s operations.
Beyond standard bike repairs and maintenance, Bike Plant actively promotes the philosophy of safe cycling through various initiatives, including bicycle training classes. They are committed to providing cost-effective repair and maintenance services, ensuring cycling is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. This commitment is most powerfully demonstrated through the shop’s unique repair fund.
The Bike Plant Repair Fund: A Community Safety Net in Action
The Bike Plant repair fund is a remarkable initiative designed to subsidize the cost of parts and repairs for cyclists in need. This fund operates through the generosity of community donations, accepting both one-time contributions and monthly memberships starting at just $10. Members enjoy perks like repair discounts, further incentivizing community support. All donations are meticulously tracked via a transparent donation spreadsheet and channeled into a separate credit account dedicated solely to the fund.
Built on an honor system, the repair fund is accessible to anyone facing financial hardship when needing bike repairs. This trust-based approach underscores the community ethos at the heart of Bike Plant. The inspiration for this innovative fund came from Wheel Simple, a bike shop in Richmond, Virginia, that Graven-Milne visited. “I was like, this is smart. I think it could work in Brooklyn,” Graven-Milne recalls. Despite initial uncertainties, the repair fund has not only worked but has flourished, becoming a cornerstone of Bike Plant’s community engagement.
Since its inception, the repair fund has amassed over $25,000 in donations, enabling Bike Plant to cover a wide range of needs, from simple flat tire fixes to the replacement of wheels and even the donation of complete bikes to individuals in need.
A Bike for a New Beginning: Abdoulaye Diallo’s Story
Abdoulaye Diallo, an immigrant from Guinea who has been living in Brooklyn for approximately seven months, is a powerful example of the repair fund’s life-changing impact. Speaking through a translator, Diallo shared his story of seeking refuge in the U.S. due to political instability and safety concerns in Guinea.
Abdoulaye Diallo, a beneficiary of Bike Plant's repair fund, highlighting the community impact of the bike shop in Brooklyn.
“In Guinea, my father was a member of the UFDG (Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea), and so I was as well. We wanted change for our country, but we had to leave because we were not safe,” Diallo explains. Arriving in Brooklyn, Diallo faced the challenges of adapting to a new country while striving to learn English. However, unreliable public transportation often made it difficult to attend his English classes consistently.
After learning about Bike Plant’s repair fund and adding his name to the list, Diallo’s transportation challenges were overcome. Bike Plant was able to provide him with a bicycle, granting him reliable and independent mobility within the city. “The bike has really helped me to get to school on time,” Diallo gratefully acknowledges. Looking to the future, he expresses a desire to contribute back to the fund, embodying the cyclical nature of community support that Bike Plant fosters. “In the long run, I would love to be able to pay and to give money back to the fund.”
Just like the continuous spinning of bicycle wheels, the repair fund is designed to be self-sustaining and perpetually beneficial. Those who receive assistance are empowered to potentially give back in the future, creating a ripple effect of community support. Furthermore, by ensuring everyone has access to safe and functional bikes, Bike Plant contributes to safer streets for all cyclists. As Graven-Milne aptly points out, “I don’t want to be riding with someone behind me whose brakes don’t work. Because if I slam on the brakes and their brakes don’t work, it’s gonna be bad for both us.” Bike Plant is more than just a repair shop; it’s a testament to the power of community and the simple, yet profound, impact of a well-maintained bicycle.
