FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 19th, 2022
MADISON, Wisconsin – Madison Freewheel Bicycle Co, a charity dedicated to bicycle-focused transportation justice, announced today that the City of Madison’s Madison Bicycle Center facility, at 202 S. Pinckney St. will be opening to commuter members on Monday, April 25th. The City of Madison selected Freewheel to operate the Madison Bicycle Center for the community.
Though the Madison Bicycle Center has been open to customers, students, volunteers, and visitors since August 2020, supply chain issues connected with the Covid-19 pandemic delayed the installation of a keycard access system.
With this system now installed, facility members can store their bikes inside with confidence. Members and day-pass holders will be able to enter the facility and use its amenities 24/7, even when facility staff aren’t present.
“Opening this facility during a global pandemic has been an extremely challenging experience for us,” said Lang Schmitt, executive director of Freewheel. “We’ve faced a lot of obstacles in the last two years, and we’re so happy to have overcome these. We’re looking forward to fulfilling the vision of the Madison Bicycle Center.”
In addition to secure 24/7 bicycle storage, members of the Madison Bicycle Center will be able to use the facility’s lockers, showers, changing rooms, and bike wash station, along with other amenities. These amenities are designed to eliminate obstacles to commuter bicycling in Madison’s downtown.
Freewheel will continue to offer bike services, such as repairs and tune-ups, to both members and the community. Commuter members will receive two free basic tune-ups each year. Freewheel’s core offerings as a charity, including group classes, one-on-one instruction, and sales, will not change.
Annual commuter memberships at the Madison Bicycle Center are $510, a monthly membership costs $50, and a day pass is $7. For more information about the amenities available to members and how to sign up, visit https://madisonbikecenter.org or email info@freewheelbikes.org.
ABOUT THE MADISON BICYCLE CENTER
Located inside the Judge Doyle Square project, the Madison Bicycle Center is a collaboration between the City of Madison and local charity Freewheel. The construction of the Madison Bicycle Center was a key factor in the League of American Bicyclists’ decision to award Madison its Platinum status as a Bicycle-Friendly Community.
Since opening in August 2020, the Madison Bicycle Center has offered low-cost bike tune-ups, sold refurbished used donated bikes, new bikes and offered a range of used bike parts and accessories (by donation). Additionally, the Madison Bicycle Center serves as a bicycle-focused community center, and it hosts events for Freewheel and other bicycle charities and clubs in town.
ABOUT FREEWHEEL
Madison Freewheel Bicycle Co, or Freewheel, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that’s dedicated to promoting bicycling as a sustainable means of transportation for everyone. For 20 years, Freewheel has taught people how to build, repair, and maintain their own bicycles, and given them access to the tools, parts, bike stands, and guidance they need to hone their mechanical skills.
All of Freewheel’s classes are available to students by donation. This includes the charity’s flagship Build-a-Bike class, which supplies students with a bike of their own by teaching them how to build or refurbish a bicycle in one hands-on session. Proceeds from operating the Madison Bicycle Center, including sales of memberships, help keep Freewheel’s classes accessible to everyone.
Contact information:
Lang Schmitt (he/they)
Executive Director, Madison Freewheel Bicycle Co
202 S. Pinckney St., Madison WI 53703
info@freewheelbikes.org
(608) 698-9205
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