The Iowa City Bike Library hasn’t been spinning its wheels during the pandemic. COVID-19 has put some classes and programming on pause, but it’s pumped up other aspects of the organization, from an increase in demand for bike loans to an increase in square footage.
The nonprofit bicycle lending service, established in 2004, has rolled through several locations, but at the end of February, made its final ride from 700 S. Dubuque St. into its new, permanent location at 1222 S. Gilbert Ct.
“We’re in the middle of a big transition,” said director Audrey Wiedemeier, 35, of Iowa City. “We bought a building, after 16 years. We’re entering a new bicycle frontier and for a small nonprofit, it’s a big, big step for us.”
A step they took in the coldest month of the winter — so they could be prepared for the spring rush from commuters and families to students and people just wanting to give cycling a try.