Warm fuzzies aren’t usually the first words that come to mind when talking about bikes and cycling in Calgary. It seems that any dialogue around the subject causes quite the debate. Should we create bikes lanes? Where should they go? Wicker or wire basket to put in the front? These are just a few examples.

Ever had the warm fuzzies though? You know, that warm, happy feeling when you witness or experience something good being done? To my pleasant surprise, The Good Life Community Bike Shop gave me the warm fuzzies.

“We never turn someone away.” Liam Gordon explained to me, during my tour of the store/workshop/cycling mecca. Those referred by a social agency receive a bike no questions asked. For those without a referral, but cannot afford a bicycle, they have the option to volunteer 20 hours at the store to earn a bike. Volunteering activities are across the board, from cleaning the store to more administrative tasks.

At the back of the room is the drop-off door to donate bikes. On average, The Good Life Community Bike Shop receives 2 donated bikes per day. Bikes are assessed and priced, with the tag stating if any component needs to be addressed or if it’s “as is”. The staff will teach any customer how to address a bike that needs some help, even if not originally purchased from their store. They’ll also go through the basics of proper bike maintenance. All they ask for in return is a suggested donation of $5 an hour for their help.

The Good Life Community Bike Shop has a temporary location at 148 10 Street NW, Calgary, AB. Their lease runs out in December 2012 and they could use some great volunteers to assist them with obtaining a permanent location.

For further information on how you can help out, send a message to info@goodlifebikes.ca or juliahelene_tam@hotmail.ca for inquiries specifically related to their goal to get a permanent location. Volunteer Night is the 4th Thursday of the month from 6:30 – 8 PM, drop by to get an orientation and meet the great staff.

Twitter: @goodlifebikes

Shop Hours:

Sun: 12-5 Mon: 10-6 Tues: 10-6 Wed: 12-8 Thurs: 12-8 Fri: 10-6 Sat: 10-6