Urban Concept Store BicycleSPACE Now Open in Downtown Washington, DC

What to do with an abandoned 1920s era truck repair depot when financing for new construction projects has dried up?  BicycleSPACE owners Erik Kugler and Philip Koopman saw the perfect opportunity for urban renewal by restoring the then-vacant and boarded up building, and transforming it into a new urban-concept bicycle shop.

At 459 I Street, NW, nestled in the Mount Vernon Triangle neighborhood, BicycleSPACE is in close proximity to the Chinatown, Penn Quarter, Petworth, Logan Circle, and Capitol Hill neighborhoods, as well as an easy trip from Near Southeast and Southwest Washington DC.  The Metropolitan Branch Trail and the northern end of Highway 395 distribute incoming bicycle and auto traffic several blocks from the shop as well, making for easy access from Prince George’s County and Northern Virginia.  In addition, the shop is situated alongside the central business district, making same-day repairs convenient to office workers.  A major factor in making bicycle retail and service a viable proposition in the city center has been the mixed-use development that the area has experienced.  BicycleSPACE will cater to those who use their bicycles frequently for activities ranging from carrying groceries and getting to and from work to weekend escapes on the area’s burgeoning bicycle trail system.

“The neighborhood was exactly what we were looking for,” explains co-owner Kugler.  “After talking with Councilmember Tommy Wells at the opening of the $4MM Bikestation at Union Station, hearing about the mixed-use development plans for the area, and counting bicycles and pedestrians with armloads of groceries passing by the location all winter, we decided that the urban core was ready for our concept.” 

Just what is this concept?  Forget the stereotypical spandex and lycra image, this is normal bikes and gear for normal people who have discovered the convenience of getting around by bicycle.  Co-owner and bicycle visionary Philip Koopman describes it as “creating community in the center of the city” by hosting fun events such as free bike rides to introduce residents and visitors to the world-class cycling facilities in Northeast and Southeast Washington DC, rolling away the display fixtures and hosting community events at the store, providing world-class bicycle service by career mechanics like Paul Reighard, who has over 25 years of experience and sets impeccable quality standards, and introducing the community to bikes that fit its transportation and health needs by carrying everything from cargo bikes which are designed to carry several suitcases (or shopping bags) to hand-made Brompton folding bikes, to the finest active clothing and accessory lines available. Koopman knows as much about using a bicycle as a daily means of transportation as anyone in the area, having served on the Bike To Work Day organizing committee for the past 20 years and having commuted over 100,000 miles by bicycle in the past 25 years.  “Everyone recognizes that cycling is quicker and more economical than driving, but it reaches a new level of enjoyment when you look and feel great on the bike, and arrive at your destination energized” adds Sales Manager David Dorn.  “People will be amazed when they see the range of options available to facilitate their ride.”

General Manager Jordan Mittelman joins the principals most recently from Boulder, CO, and was selected to design the entire shop including the furniture and fixtures.  “Everything here was built for the purpose of giving the community a comfortable place to not only serve its cycling needs, but to provide a peaceful and harmonious environment in the heart of the city.”  In that light, there is a “decompression zone” at the front of the store where visitors may park their bikes when they enter, a full-sized changing room to try on clothing, a leather chaise lounge, plenty of natural light, which is uncommon in the usually cramped and fortress-like world of traditional bike shops.  The combination of all this with the bright green walls and largest retail area of any bicycle shop in the District lends credence to the term “urban oasis,” as people are already using to describe the shop.

The “official” store hours are from 10am to 7pm on weekdays, 11am to 6pm on Saturdays, and 12pm to 5pm on Sundays, though often key staff is there late at night and a friendly wave is enough gain entry, and there is more information on the company’s website at www.bicyclespacewdc.com.

BicycleSPACE and its mission to serve as the “hub” for urban bicycling culture will be met with cheers from cyclists who will find a spacious new footprint entirely dedicated to fostering the legendary camaraderie amongst cyclists of all stripes, and providing its innovative urban products and excellent service.  For more information, please call the store at 202 962 0123.