Zac Alfson, a local community leader, recently took part in the Next City Vanguard program—a gathering of changemakers and urban innovators held in Lexington, Kentucky. Over several days, Zac explored how cities are tackling challenges like equity, civic engagement, and community resilience. Inspired by standout initiatives, he’s now sharing his take on the creative projects and strategies he encountered and how these ideas could be adapted to make a meaningful impact in Orlando.
Located in Lexington, Kentucky, Broke Spoke Community Bike Shop (Website) is more than just a place to fix a flat tire, it’s a transformative community resource making cycling accessible for everyone. Established in 2010, the nonprofit offers a variety of services aimed at removing barriers to transportation and building self-sufficiency among riders of all ages and backgrounds.
With a mission to provide “better access to better bicycles for all people,” Broke Spoke operates a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) bike repair shop, where people can rent a workstand for a low hourly cost and receive guidance from volunteer mechanics. For those unable to afford the rental fee, the shop offers a unique sweat equity program, allowing individuals to volunteer their time in exchange for shop credit valued at $10 per hour. This model ensures that cost is never an obstacle to maintaining a bicycle, making it truly inclusive and community-focused.
Broke Spoke’s impact extends beyond its walls. The shop hosts workshops and courses on bicycle maintenance, safety, and repair, empowering participants to gain lifelong skills and confidence as cyclists. It also provides educational programming for marginalized communities, such as the LGBTQ+ and women’s nights, offering a safe space for underrepresented groups to learn and engage.
The shop’s second mission is its environmental stewardship. Broke Spoke actively promotes sustainability by refurbishing and recycling donated bicycles. Each bike that comes through its doors is assessed for reuse; if a bike is repairable, it is restored and made available at an affordable price or donated to someone in need through a local nonprofit partner. If a bike cannot be saved, it is broken down and recycled for parts, reducing the environmental footprint of manufacturing new bicycles and minimizing waste in landfills.
The shop’s work is especially valuable for individuals who experience transportation insecurity. For those who are homeless or have lost their driving privileges, a bike can be the difference between finding and keeping a job or accessing critical services. Broke Spoke’s affordable options and sweat equity program provide a lifeline, offering a reliable means of transportation when other options are unavailable. Bicycles have become a tool of independence and empowerment for these riders.
Broke Spoke also addresses the needs of vulnerable populations. People experiencing homelessness often rely on bicycles to reach shelters, food banks, work opportunities, and healthcare facilities. For individuals with suspended licenses, a bike may be their only option to maintain employment. Through its services, Broke Spoke helps these individuals regain mobility and rebuild their lives with dignity.
#BringToOrlando
A community bike shop modeled after Broke Spoke could significantly impact Orlando, a city that faces similar challenges related to transportation and sustainability. By combining DIY repair services, skill-building workshops, and a sweat equity program, an Orlando-based bike shop could support residents facing transportation barriers, foster community connections, and promote sustainable living.
Additionally, a focus on environmental stewardship through bike recycling and refurbishing could help Orlando reduce its waste while encouraging more residents to embrace cycling as a viable mode of transportation. By supporting the city’s goals of sustainability and mobility, a community bike shop could become a catalyst for positive change and an invaluable resource for the city’s underserved communities.