Sustainability Profile: Bike Mike the Bicycle Repair Man

1.    What is your company’s brand promise, vision or statement of values, and how does it relate to sustainability?

Bike Mike the Bicycle Repair Man’s mission is to reduce barriers to bicycle commuting.

2.    How are your products or services environmentally and socially sustainable?

Bike Mike brings the bike shop to your door. He provides a mobile service which not only eliminates the hassle of getting your bike to a shop, but the environmental impact of driving there. This gets more bikes out of basements and garages and onto bike paths, taking more cars off the road. Bike Mike also refurbishes preloved bicycles and gets them in to the hands of those unable to afford new bikes.

3.    How do your suppliers create positive social and environmental benefits either through their products or through their community partnerships?

Bike Mike purchases most parts from Mountain Equipment Co-op, known for its social and environmental leadership. Additionally, Bike Mike sources from Tuxedo Sports, a locally owned, family run business.  The cleaners and lubricants used by Bike Mike are plant based to reduce toxicity.

4.    How does your business minimize the environmental impact of its operations?

• Bike Mike uses green cleaners and lubricants.
• Tires are dropped off for recycling at Mountain Equipment Co-op.
• Where possible, parts are reused to refurbish old bicycles, which are made available to those unable to afford new bikes.
• Bike Mike’s office administration is paper-free.

5.    How does your business demonstrate ethical business conduct?

As a sole proprietor of micro enterprise, Bike Mike doesn’t use extensive or third party governance but simply operates with integrity.

6. What strategic community partnerships or affiliations does your company have in place?

Bike Mike considers has the following community partners:

• Calgary Dollars
• Bow Cliff Seniors
• First Alliance Church
• BikeBike
• REAP Business Association

7.    What policy or guidelines exist to support charitable contributions? Or, if no formal policy is in place, what organizations have you previously supported?

Although Bike Mike has not formally supported charities, he feels a strong sense of obligation to “give back” to the community. Refurbished bicycles are often donated to children residing in low income housing in Calgary. Additionally, $1 from every bike serviced is donated to Bow Cliff Seniors.

8.    How many people do you employ locally?

Bike Mike is owned and operated by Michael Sisson, with no other employees.

9.    In what ways does your business demonstrate its commitment to employee health and safety?

As sole proprietor of a micro business, it’s only me. Ways that I look out for my own health, safety, and wellness include using equipment that fits my body (bike stand appropriate height), taking 2 full days off for rest, and being sun smart.

10. In what ways does your business demonstrate its commitment to employee development and job satisfaction?

I find my work extremely fulfilling and get to live my passion.

11. How does your business support employees to lead balanced lives and be active participants in their communities?

Bike Mike does not employ others. The very nature of the work Bike Mike performs connects him to the community, through events, strategic locations, and charitable activities. Promoting bike culture builds community.