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White Oak Bicycle Co-Op expands partnership with Metropolitan Ministries

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Ben Richards, cooperative director of operations works on a bicycle in what used to be a casket factory. White Oak Bicycle Cooperative, in Red Bank, provides re-built bicycles for a variety of children and adults.
Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Ben Richards, cooperative director of operations works on a bicycle in what used to be a casket factory. White Oak Bicycle Cooperative, in Red Bank, provides re-built bicycles for a variety of children and adults. Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Ben Richards, cooperative director of operations works on a bicycle in what used to be a casket factory. White Oak Bicycle Cooperative, in Red Bank, provides re-built bicycles for a variety of children and adults.

By Staff Report 2 min read

White Oak Bicycle Co-Op has expanded its longstanding partnership with Metropolitan Ministries to provide consistent, on-site bicycle repair services to support reliable transportation for individuals and families across the region.

White Oak has distributed more than 3,100 bicycles in the Chattanooga area, with most used as primary transportation to work, school and essential services. Until now, free repair services have largely been delivered through mobile, pop-up events. The expanded partnership with Metropolitan Ministries establishes a permanent, reliable repair location to keep bicycles in service.

“Partnering is in our DNA at Metropolitan Ministries,” CEO Bill Rush said. “We’ve valued our relationship with White Oak for years, and we know our clients need dependable transportation. This partnership helps remove one more barrier.”

Under the new arrangement, White Oak will staff experienced bicycle mechanics at the Metropolitan Ministries campus, 4001 Rossville Blvd. The dedicated space will be equipped with professional tools and parts to perform most bicycle repairs on-site.

“We receive regular requests from community partners and their clients for free repairs,” White Oak Director of Bicycle Operations Ben Richards said. “Having a consistent day and location allows us to respond more effectively and keep people moving.”