Monday, April 27, 2009







The Derailer Bicycle collective in Denver Colorado is a very busy place. Before the door even opens a huge crowd gathers outside. There is a sign up sheet for those that would like help from mechanics and within minutes it becomes a waiting list. The shop itself is teeming with mechanics, volunteers and people working on their bikes. It is noisy, chaotic and beautifully productive. There is no doubt that the space is important to the community. It only takes a few minutes to recognise that there are regulars that know where everything is and jump in to lend a hand where they can. The commotion of people wrenching and fixing their steeds does not end in the shop. It spills out into the parking lot where several mobile bike stands are set up. It is apparent that the need for this space is larger than what can be offered but the volunteers are ready, present and ready to assist all comers.

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