By Karen Abbott-Trimuel
LANSING, Ill. (May 27, 2022) – Greenway Bikehouse officially opened on April 6, 2022, at its temporary location inside Visible Music College, located at 3404 Lake Street. Owners Cam and Megan Harvey aspire to eventually move to Ridge Road and add a café for the Lansing community and bikers-by.
The Harveys switch gears
Lansing residents since 2014, the Harveys moved to Lansing when Cam became the Director of Academics and Operations for Visible Music College, a role he held for eight years.
It was during the pandemic in 2020 that the Harveys often walked the Pennsy Greenway Trail in downtown Lansing with their son Zachary. On one of these walks, the pair began discussing businesses that would make a good investment in the downtown — a discussion that laid the foundation for what became a bike shop located in the heart of the village.
“We enjoy biking as a family. We’re not avid cyclists, but we enjoy it casually. It’s our way of getting out and being active together,” said Megan Harvey.
The idea expanded to become not just a bike shop, but a destination where people can experience a welcoming environment.
“With being more active on the trail, being downtown, and looking for investment opportunities, we found out about the location on Ridge. Combining that with the closing of Troost [Coffee Shop] and finding out [3414 Ridge Road] had been acquired by the Village, we thought this would be too great of an opportunity to pass up. So, it wasn’t just about opening a bike shop; it was also about creating a space where people could come and experience the destination,” Cam Harvey said.
Greenway Bikehouse
Greenway currently offers new bikes and accessories available for purchase, along with a full-service repair center. Cam is also excited to offer community workshops.
Greenway carries a broad range of brands such as Jamis, TerraTrike, Batch, Retro Spek, and Aventon. Bikes range in price from $400 – $5,000. Greenway also has bikes for children that run $200 – $400, and the business offers a trade-up program as the child grows. Pedal-less bike for kids are also available in 12″, 16″, and 24″.
While Cam is the bike shop operator, maintenance expert, and technical expertise, Megan manages marketing and social media.
“We look to play an intricate part in educating people about their bikes,” Megan Harvey said.
The Harveys are excited about providing an approachable space where they are available to answer questions and help people get their bikes out of their garages and sheds and back on the pavement.
Riding to Ridge
On May 3, the Lansing Village Board approved three ordinances and one resolution to help the Harveys eventually bring Greenway Bikehouse to 3414 Ridge Road, at the high-visibility corner of Ridge and Henry Street.
Once at their new location, the Harveys’ vision is to add an adjacent coffee shop, walk-up window, patio, and the sale of beer and wine. The owners hope Greenway will be not only a recreational and retail space for Lansing, but a draw to the downtown Lansing area for gathering, relaxation, food, and exercise.
“One of our goals is to become community-centric and focus on the community. Biking is both good for physical and mental health. As we get into a stage where anxiety, depression, and other devices are prevalent, biking has a way of helping to relieve some of those ailments. I believe that we will positively impact the Lansing community,” Cam said.
Greenway will also provide other resources to the community such as trail maps, locations of restaurants, workshops on how to fix flat tires, and a loyalty program. The business also hopes to work with and support local bike clubs.
“I see Greenway as a business supporting our family and becoming a community pillar on the corner lot,” Megan Harvey said. “The future I envision is a place where people from the community gather and see friendly faces. It will be a good way to get active and get together with people.”
The Village Board approved a Tax Increment Financing redevelopment agreement for Greenway, a Class 8 Real Estate Tax Assessment, a special use permit to allow for outdoor seating, and a Class 9 liquor license, which is for on-site beer and wine consumption.
Greenway giveaway, and work opportunities
Greenway has a bike giveaway campaign currently underway. Participants can go to their website www.greenwaybikehouse.com, submit their email, and enter a drawing for a new bike. A winner will be announced in September.
Greenway Bikehouse is also looking for a manager to oversee their café and is open to discussing with individuals who have experience owning or managing similar businesses. They also plan to expand their staffing at a later date. More information is available at www.greenwaybikehouse.com.
Greenway Bikehouse is currently located in Visible Music College, at 3404 Lake Street in Lansing.
