Action Briefing Apr 2004 - May 2004
	The Newsletter of Birmingham Friends of the Earth

Warehouse focus: Cycle Chain

Over the next few issues of Action Briefing, we'll be featuring some of the unique organisations and businesses with whom we are fortunate enough to share the Warehouse.

In the first of our features, we look at a relatively new business. Cycle Chain was set up by John Shaw, working from Queen Alexandra College in Harborne.

John had seen several failed attempts by people trying to create a cycle centre in the City Centre (still badly needed!). He took the opportunity, while we had space available, to approach us with his project. As a result, the Warehouse's empty 'end bay' area was transformed by Cycle Chain and Birmingham Friends of the Earth into a ‘proper’ shop. Most of the structure was created from second-hand timber found in the Warehouse.

Although we don’t have room for all the desired facilities such as showers and changing rooms, Cycle Chain does have an outdoor sales area, shop, workshop and small office.

New cycles are sold, but their biggest demand is for second-hand cycles, and they always have a good selection, to suit everyone's requirements.

Being a short walk from the City Centre, office and shop workers can leave their bikes here, and even have repairs carried out while they are at work. Shoppers can avail themselves of the services too, and visit the One Earth Shop for their ethical shopping, and catch an organic meal in the Warehouse Cafe, before they leave.

Cycle Chain can be contacted on 0121 643 1500. Services offered include new & used cycles, spares, cycle hire, repairs/servicing, cycle parking. Opening hours 9am-5pm Mon-Sat. Ask for John or Paul.

Dave Clare