Shawn Innes opened the bike shop New West Cycle in June, near the foot of Sixth Street (47 Sixth St.) after extensive interior renovations to the building.

Q: How would you describe New West Cycle and who does it cater to?

A: NWC is a small, independent bike shop, catering to New Westminster and the cycling community. We offer a wide range of used bikes and offer some used parts at a cost savings to customers in these tough economic times.

Q: What bike/s do you ride and why?

A: My favorite ride (although I have many) is my Dad’s old Raleigh three speed, because it is a cool vintage cruiser and it reminds me of him.

Q: Why do you love biking?

A: It’s the healthiest transportation solution known to man. Besides, once you are on your bike daily troubles and worries are soon forgotten.

Q: Is New West a bike-friendly city? How so, or how not?

A: New West is becoming a more bike-friendly city. New and improved bike lanes, many new bicycle racks for rider convenience, and the added option to take your bike on transit are all forward steps to making New West a very friendly cycling city.

Q: What’s your favourite local ride and why?

A: Favorite local ride? Hmm... I don’t really have a set path that I do over and over again that I could call a favorite. I like going different routes and seeing different sites.

Q: You’re planning to start a bike co-op. Can you explain what that is and how it would work?

A: The bike co-op is in its early stages. Many people we cater to live in New West in condos or apartments, and have little or no space to work on their bikes. So NWC hopes to provide a proper bicycle work station for people to work on their bikes and, if needed, receive help from other cyclists or employees of NWC. A fee schedule is being created for a monthly pass or just a one-time visit. NWC has already helped a local cyclist who had no previous bike repair experience do a complete bike dismantle and paint her bike.

Q: Tell us something you’ve learned or noticed about customers or people in your area since opening your shop.

A: Community support and involvement are key to being in business in New West.