We are so sad to share that the Minneapolis Cargo Bike Library has experienced a setback. On May 6th, a locked garage that we were using as overflow storage for two of our library bikes was broken into and $6,000 worth of bikes were taken: 2 of our library bikes and 2 bikes belonging to Laura Mitchell (our volunteer running the library). We’ve recovered 1 bike, but it’s damaged. The garage door and opener also sustained over $2k worth of damage due to the approach used to break into the locked garage.
There is insurance on the bikes and the garage, but deductibles are high and we need your support to get rolling again!
We’re aiming to fundraise $3k by May 31 (UPDATE: we met our initial goal and have a new stretch goal of $5k) to pay our deductibles so we can replace the bikes (+ accessories and locks) and repair the garage. If we’re lucky enough to surpass our goal, funds will go toward our ongoing library costs (like staff, volunteer and bike mechanic time, lower deductible bike insurance) and to save for more Cyclehoop hangars to ensure our bikes are stored as securely as possible between rentals.
We’ve been so amazed by the excitement around our community resource and hope we can lean on you all to help us recover and continue our mission of increasing access to cargo bikes for Minneapolis residents. We’ve already seen such great impact from our first month of this program and want to continue our work.
We can accept tax-deductible, one-time or monthly donations in any amount via this fundraiser link. Please consider donating, sharing our fundraiser link, and keep an eye out for our still-missing bikes!
P.S. Our Aventon Abound, Abound SR, Bunch Bike and new Velotric Packer (new bike!) are all safe and sound, so if you have an upcoming booking for one of those bikes it is not impacted by this situation. We’ll release June availability on all 4 bikes soon!
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