Garret Farmer 

NEW TIMES What is the Bike Kitchen?

FARMER It’s a community-driven space for bicycle education and do-it-yourself repairs. People come work and learn how to work on their bicycles.

NEW TIMES How does the Kitchen support itself economically?

FARMER The SLO Bike Kitchen is 100% volunteer run, but we also ask for a $5 donation for use of the space, tools, and any help that can be provided. There are also extra parts that have been donated that are available, as well as complete bikes that have been used as tools for education and volunteer training that can be bought.

NEW TIMES You’ve been in a new space since 2010, how’s it treating you?

FARMER Amazing. It’s really everything the kitchen has always needed to make itself a successful sustainable program. We got lucky. It’s the perfect location right near downtown and on the Bicycle Boulevard. (860 Pacific St. #105, SLO, CA 93401)

NEW TIMES How many people has the Kitchen served so far?

FARMER Just over 2200 since it moved into this space in April of 2010.

NEW TIMES What new developments would you like to see happen in the Kitchen over this next year?

FARMER New volunteers getting more involved. Seeing as how it runs solely on volunteers, I want to be certain the Kitchen has a permanent future in SLO. I want to see the Kitchen continue to grow, with more clinics and more community involvement. Volunteers to man more open hours would be nice too.

NEW TIMES What are your open hours?

FARMER Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4-7 p.m., and Sundays from 12-4 p.m.