About Us

About Urbane

Urbane Cyclist emblem, with Shreddy, our mascot, in the centre. Around him it says Urbane Cyclist, with our address, 280 College St, the words Worker's Co-op, and our phone number - 416-979-9733.

Urbane Cyclist is a worker-owned co-operative bike shop that is dedicated to promoting the awesomeness of cycling for all and creating secure and positive employment for its staff and members.

History

Since March 29, 1997, Urbane has been Toronto’s home for diverse ridership and cycling empowerment. Commuters have always formed our core clientele, but we serve all types of riders on all types of rides! We take pride in our friendly and expert service, knowledge and product in: touring bikes, recumbents, adventure cycling, folding bikes, cargo bikes, mobility devices and trailers. Urbane’s membership cares deeply about lasting quality and durability. Instead of chasing trends, we bring in and manufacture products that work well and do not contribute to throwaway culture. Our repairs are always done with quality parts so that you can ride all day, all year, and in any conditions.

If you’re walking, running, skateboarding, roller-blading, or taking public transit, you - along with us - are part of a larger alternative transportation movement that challenges the supremacy of cars and other fossil fueled vehicles!

About Worker-Ownership

Power to the People that Power Themselves!

Urbane Cyclist Co-op isn't just a regular old neighbourhood bicycle shop; it's a worker-owned co-operative! In case you're not familiar, worker-owned cooperatives like ours are businesses owned and governed by their employees. This means decisions are made collectively, ensuring everyone has a voice and a stake in the success of the enterprise. It's a model that prioritizes equity, democracy, and solidarity, embodying a refreshing alternative to traditional hierarchical structures.

Each member in the co-op is a part owner, and all major decisions are made together in a democratic, collective, non-hierarchical process. Regular member meetings help us envision the "big picture" of our journey as a business — where we stand now and where we're headed together, along with allowing us to engage in collective decisionmaking on the regular processes involved in running a business! Through this lateral power structure, our decisions are not made in isolation, but instead through the collective wisdom and vision of the people who work here. Worker co-operatives support workers’ livelihoods, taking a very different approach from the corporate focus on the bottom line. As a co-op, we aim to serve the needs of our community with integrity and promote a vision towards social justice and genuine alternatives to corporate culture and values.

Diversity and inclusivity at Urbane is critical to our success in serving the community and ourselves. Through our internal processes and participation in the Cycling Industry Pledge, we challenge ourselves to foster a supportive workplace culture inclusive of people regardless of their race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, marital status, age, physical abilities, political affiliation, religious beliefs or any other non-merit fact, so that all employees are included, equally valued, and supported.

Each worker-owner injects their own unique blend of personality, interests, and joy into the mix, creating the distinctive flavor that defines our shop. This amalgamation of individuality not only enriches our environment but also fuels the consensus that shapes our direction and purpose.

We strive to be not only the most knowledgeable and well-stocked shop, but also the most passionate, friendly, and driven team as well!