Ever wondered what the abandoned building across from Campbell Hall was for? Along with the Outdoor Recreation Program, it was home to Linfield’s Bike Co-Op.

Established in 2009, the bike co-op was a student-managed project that provided loaner bikes and bike maintenance. It was a space for people to learn bike maintenance as well, such as how to replace a flat tire. Services were free as students were only charged for parts.

The bike co-op was just a small section within the building. A majority of space was for outdoor equipment such as inflatable kayaks and paddleboards, tents and backpacks that were available for rental as well. The outdoor section was used far more than the bike section. The bike co-op was mostly used by international students and students from far away who wanted to take a ride downtown.

Although Linfield’s Bike Co-Op still shows up on Google Maps, they are no longer operating due to budget cuts. With lower enrollment rates due to COVID-19, facilities had to make the difficult decision to cut the Outdoor Recreation Program and Bike Co-Op. When the director of the outdoor program and sustainability left, student facilities did not hire a new one and the Bike Co-Op along with the Outdoor Recreation Program were laid to rest.

Now that Linfield has somewhat recovered from the pandemic, is there a future for the bike co-op?

“We hope to re-explore it in a slimmed-down version.” said Jeff Mackay, Dean of Students and Vice President of Student Affairs. “The hope is for capacity within ASLU or another club could do something in that area.”

Since Linfield still has the equipment, money is left for equipment loaners and maintenance for established organizations and clubs. For example, the Health and Wellness Center hosted paddleboard yoga in the pool last year with equipment from the outdoor program.

This means that equipment from the outdoor program and bike co-op can still be used by students as long as it is in association with an organization or club.
 

As for the abandoned building, it is likely to stay as a storage space for the equipment and not a functioning co-op. However, the future is unknown.

“Never say Never,” said Mackay.

Although we may or may not have the official building up and running anytime soon, there are possibilities for the outdoor program and bike co-op to be embraced in some capacity in the future, even if it is small.