Biking Cooperatives The Next Big Thing For Expats In Prague

Already established in London and LA, bike kitchens and biking co-operatives are the latest fad for expat communities across several continents.

The Prague group of expat biking enthusiasts meet in enclaves in order to get together and share their knowledge as well as swapping bicycle parts and information on the latest developments. Also on the agenda in the city is food and a great evening out with other like-minded souls. Bike Kitchen Prague is a former 30’s era café located in Stvanice Island and is also a hub for indie music and alternative theatre performances. It’s strong on cultural activities and its functional, protected cultural space can be used for all kinds of events.

One ongoing but not yet quite finished project is a workshop dedicated to building and repairing bikes, but it’s also a good excuse for a get-together of enthusiasts eager to learn as they go. From 5.30 to 8.30 every week, the group’s founders are on site and ready to spend time with their expat compatriots from all over the world. The space and café’s official opening will take place on June 25, with a pre-opening event entitled ‘Folk Cuisine for Bike Kitchen’ is due on June 8.

The entire ethos of Bike Kitchen focuses not on money gained from selling goods, but on the ideal of sharing knowledge. Its expat members are diverse, and all are committed to the idea of non-profit urban cycling in this, its first inclusive open space. In addition, the group is committed to exchanging ideas on social issues, sustainable lifestyles and ecology in general. Sadly, Prague isn’t a world-class cycling city such as Amsterdam, even although local officials recently cancelled a ban preventing biking in the city centre.