IV Bikespace
The Illinois Valley here in Southern Oregon, has little public transit service and one of the highest rates of unemployment in the state. Many people are trying to cut household costs by driving less. Bicycles are a low-tech and environmentally sustainable transportation option. In addition, there are many documented social and public health benefits to bicycling! The goal of IV Bikespace is to provide functional bicycles and bike repairs to low income, unemployed, and young people in the Illinois Valley. Volunteer mechanics teach basic bicycle maintenance and do repairs for free at various public events around the valley. Tubes, cables and other common repair parts are sold at cost. Since 2010 people in the Illinois Valley have been able to bring their bikes to SLC Events and most recently the Cave Junction Farmers Market (April-October), to learn how to repair them.
Annual Otis Bike Ride
Since 2013, IV Bikespace has organized the Annual Otis Memorial Bike Ride, taking place in May/June. A 19 mile journey to honor the life of a particular and (in)famous bicycle-riding character of the Illinois Valley, this free and fun ride from the Takilma Community Building to Cave Junction and back again includes rest stations and ends with a DIY picnic.
We encourage riders to wear costumes and decorations that celebrate their own unique essence. This event is not a race and no riders get left behind, we stand in solidarity with one another. We gather and ride together to make new acquaintances and rekindle old friendships in the spirit of Otis!
The Future of IV Bikespace
In 2020, our program founder and fearless volunteer leader, Keeth, moved onto a new chapter in his life! We thank him for his many years of passion and dedication to IV Bikspace, lending his creativity, patience, and ingenuity to our community. We at Spiral Living Center have been continuing our efforts to sustain and expand this program now into 2024. Annually, from April-October, we continue to offer donation-based bike repairs and knowledge via our IV Bikespace booth at the Cave Junction Farmers Market, among other events. To stay up to date on IV Bikespace news, consider joining our Newsletter List. For all bikespace related inquiries, please email bikespace@spiralliving.org