Jim Sheehan – Ohio City Bicycle Co-op

Nominated by: Ryan McKenzie - EcoCity Cleveland

I would like to nominate Jim Sheehan from the Ohio City Bicycle Co-op for the Fuel Effective Transportation award. Jim is the co-founder and leader of OCBC, a non-profit cooperative that encourages bicycling for daily transportation. Through his tireless efforts, Jim has developed dozens of committed community volunteers, and has established a vibrant center for the celebration of bicycle culture.

OCBC’s Earn a Bike program takes donations of used bikes and helps kids earn one for themselves while they learn bike repair and safe cycling. Surplus bikes are fully refurbished for sale at affordable prices to support the program. Leftovers are recycled into unique and practical bike-part arts and crafts, which are also for sale.

The co-op’s shop in the Flats provides members with access to a full range of tools and a wealth of bicycle maintenance education, all run by volunteers. Regularly scheduled group rides and special events teach novices everyday riding skills and build their commuting confidence.
This June, OCBC organized and hosted a multi-day “bicycle safety educator” training course, adding 15 certified bicycle safety instructors to our region. They plan to offer fee-based, professional safety instruction to kids and adults through partnerships with school districts, municipal recreation centers and other community hosts.

Jim’s efforts have supported and inspired hundreds of Clevelanders to use non-polluting bicycles for their daily transportation needs, creating social, economic and environmental benefits. He deserves recognition as a Champion of Sustainability.