With spring just around the corner, Tri-State Trails is thrilled to kick off its fourth annual circuit of pop-up bike shops across Greater Cincinnati and is currently seeking volunteers to help bring this essential service to communities that need it most.

For many, the Pop-Up Bike Shop program provides their only opportunity to have their bicycle serviced, to acquire safety equipment, and to learn about bike maintenance and stress-free walking and biking paths. Throughout 2023, five pop-up bike shops across the region provided 150 free tune-ups and distributed more than 100 rechargeable lights, 75 locks, and 36 helmets.

This crucial outreach wouldn’t be possible without the talent, compassion, and time of local volunteers who are pivotal to the pop-up bike shop experience. Whether you’re an experienced mechanic assisting with tune-ups, an avid rider educating visitors, or a warm-hearted enthusiast helping greet guests, opportunities to help are plentiful.

Anyone interested in volunteering this year is encouraged to attend a volunteer orientation session on Thursday, March 14, at 6 pm at MoBo Bicycle Co-op in Northside (please register in advance here). Those who cannot attend the orientation session but would still like to learn more about volunteer opportunities can fill out this interest form or email Tri-State Trails Communications & Events Manager Caitlin Sparks at gro.sliartetatsirtobfsctd@niltiac.

The Pop-Up Bike Shop program has three events planned for 2024 so far, with more to be announced later:

• Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Earth Day Pop-up Bike Shop at Lick Run Greenway
• Saturday, June 29, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Dayton Pop-up Bike Shop at Dayton Traffic Garden
• Saturday, July 20, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.: West End Pop-up Bike Shop at the Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy

In addition to volunteer support, the Pop-Up Bike Shop program benefits from partnerships with Red Bike, MoBo Bicycle Co-op, Queen City Bike, REI Cincinnati, and Reser Bicycle Outfitters. Tri-State Trails also recently announced the 2024 program is the beneficiary of generous funding from the Bell Charitable Foundation, the William P. Anderson Foundation, and the Kentucky Bicycle & Bikeway Commission’s Paula Nye Memorial Education Grant.