Smaller urban areas seem to able to support "repair cafe" type opperations which appeal broadly to the DIY and limited means community. Many have bikes as a large portion of their focus.

https://repaircafe.org/en/

On Tue, Dec 13, 2016 at 10:09 AM, Jean-François Caron <jfcaron3@gmail.com> wrote:

I don't have any experience, but working collaboratively with the established co-ops in the bigger cities would be an obvious thing to try. If the distances are not too far, you could try to make your shop/space/co-op be known as the official bike stop for cyclo-tourists between the two cities. This could bring in the kind of revenue and awareness that helps co-ops survive.

Jean-François

> On Dec 12, 2016, at 08:59 , tim crandall <tpcrandall@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> Hey there,
>
> Has anyone had any success in setting up a coop or any cycling project in a rural area/small town?
>
> There’s a small town/city nearby with less than 16000 population. Recently, the first cross-town multi-use trail has been approved, and I’d like to jump on that momentum to further some of my own ideology.
>
> We’re also right between two largish urban areas, so the draw would be local only, as each of those areas are already served fairly well.
>
> I’d ideally like to set something up where I can teach the community bike safety and skills, teach kids bike repair, sell rehabbed bikes, and be a community anchor.
>
> I’ve studied programs in larger urban areas, and have an idea of what works, but would really like some input from some rural programs. The city is cool, but the countryside is where I live and the area that I’d like to improve for cyclists as far as road safety, accessibility, and further down the line, multiuse trails.
>
> I’d like to look at some other similar models, and see what I can draw from these. Any help would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> Tim
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