Brixton Cycles under threat

[Danny]

Apparently Brixton Cycles is under threat. The building they are based in is being torn down to make way for luxury flats, and they now face huge relocation costs. For those that don't know, Brixton Cycles is a workers co-op that was set up in the wake of the 1981 riots and has served the south London cycling community ever since.

They have now set up a Crowdfunding Page to raise the money they need to cover the costs of moving and they have made a video explaining why.



To their credit Edinburgh Cycle Co-op has emailed all their customers asking them to support the Brixton Cycles appeal, which is how I found out about.

 

[Lonestar]

I've actually been there.Liked it when I was there.

Yeah luxury flats that cost a mint.

 

[Dogtrousers]

In London, what was once fairly grotty land fit for light industrial and retail is now prime potential residential development location.

A friend of mine got booted out of where his light industrial business had been for 15 years or more. Eventually he relocated outside the M25. He just couldn't make the numbers add up for another London site.

Edit. Here's Brixton Cycles' crowdfunder link btw

http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/save-brixton-cycles

 

[RedRider]

Here's my t-shirt...

Great institution, local legends and this whole business says all about the shyteness of gentrification.

 

[StuAff]

Never used it, but I know many people who do and they have a great reputation, so I'd like the option in future. My second-favourite Brixton institution after that little venue just down the road. Pledged.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Had three bikes off 'em including my B which I bought from them just because they are Brixton Bikes. Been supporting their campaign since it started and kudos to EBC for flagging up the situation to their own customers.

 

[StuAff]

Over £28k (71% of target) already.

 

[Hitchington]

A South London institution. Got my bike from them. Great service, got my support.

 

[Pale Rider]

Cycle cap pledge for me.

Worthwhile cause, and I am always more inclined to help those who are prepared to help themselves.

 

[Arrowfoot]

This is one great reason for supporting them - a rarity and a proven success.

http://www.brixtoncycles.co.uk/coop

"What is a co-op?

There is no simple explanation of co-ops in general, as there are so many types. Typically they're worker owned and democratically run. Co-op members have a say in how the business is run. There are bicycle businesses that have co-op in their title yet pay their workers minimum wage and have a hierarchical structure. That's not really a co-operative by our standards!

OK, the nitty gritty. How do we run/roll? Every Tom, Dick and Harriet you see in our shop is an owner or a probationary member (one year of blood, sweat and tears and they're full members). Same pay, same say, equal rights, equal responsibilities. This freaks some folks out, especially coldcalling sales people asking for the owner.

How does stuff get done? Decisions made? Well, imagine a business as a camping trip. You and your mates set off for a weekend's canvas covered fun. In a traditional system the "boss" would be paid more than anyone else, have the only folding chair and have a minion to fetch the thermos of tea. He or she would then delegate as they think best the fire making and tent erection duties to lower status "workers". Now, we don't know how you organise your camping holidays but this system sucks. On our trip the group recognises that some people are very good at and enjoy setting fire to stuff while other folks enjoy the drama of tent erection. Why not organise a system that encourages, motivates and rewards? Fancy yourself a dab hand at the BBQ? Show us your skills and share them. That's kind of how it works, maybe.

Delusionally idealistic you say? Well, 30 years of this nonsensical naiveity and we're still having fun.We pay ourselves more than the average London bike mechanic, preferring wages to posted profit. Our philosophy dictates what we stock and how we sell it. Should you shop here rather than A.N.Other Bike Shop? Maybe! We specialise in some products that it's worth travelling to get, but if you live and work miles away and want an average bike or thingy we'd recommend getting it from your local independent bike shop so you can enjoy their after sales service.

So, don't ask for the boss: they're too expensive and not very efficient, fun or neccessary, and we don't have one.

Do expect impartial advice. Don't expect normal. Do enjoy weird."

 

[steveindenmark]

They need £9000 more in pledges. It has got such a good reputation that it cannot be allowed to go under.

I fancy one of their T shirts and so £30 is not much to pay for one and to help them out.

Get your hands in your pockets for a worthy cause.

 

[steveindenmark]

£7000 still needed.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Phew. If they hadn't made it to the initial target, I wouldn't have got a free hat. I was pretty worried about that.

Now, where's my hat?

 

[Paul_Smith SRCC]

Brixton Cycles = great bike shop, great staff. I hope they survive.

Seconded, years ago I worked for RSI Cycles and Motors, a distributor and Brixton Cycles were one of my calls, on one occasions on a Wednesday afternoon they had a live band playing in the shop; how cool is that

 

[RedRider]

Seconded, years ago I worked for RSI Cycles and Motors, a distributor and Brixton Cycles were one of my calls, on one occasions on a Wednesday afternoon they had a live band playing in the shop; how cool is that

They're so much more than a LBS, they're virtually a community centre and some of the guys there have been known to have after hours Can-inspired jam sessions.
Would be such a loss of they can't relocate in brixton. The fact they've got there initial target says such a lot about what they mean to their many friends