(WSB photo)
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Westside Bicycle‘s shop on Harbor Avenue SW has been closed often in recent weeks, with a reader tipping us off to a sign on the door for any customers needing to pick up their bikes. Now the owners have confirmed to WSB that their West Seattle shop is permanently closed, and are thanking the community for their support over the last 10+ years.
Westside was opened by the owners of Woodinville Bicycle, which has itself been in business for 25 years. Founder Mike Rabas and Pete Clancy, who joined as a partner in Woodinville, opened the full-service bike shop at 3418 Harbor Avenue SW in 2015, selling bikes, parts and service. Aside from their core business, Westside was also regularly a part of bike-related events in the area. As recently as the end of April, the shop was listed as being open as a resource for the Emerald City Ride, which had a route that included the nearby West Seattle Bridge. The shop was also a regular participant in the annual Bike Everywhere Day in mid-May, doing bike checks and simple repairs for riders on that morning.
Reached via phone at Woodinville Bicycle today, owner Rabas said he so appreciates the way the West Seattle community came through for the shop while it was open. “Thank you for the support over the years.” He says the Harbor Avenue space still has a lease, and it’s a “possibility” that another business may take it over. Customer questions are being directed to the Woodinville shop.
UPDATE 6:20pm: We just received a statement from co-owner Pete Clancy:
After 18 years with WB and Westside operating for 11 , it’s time to say goodbye.
I was fortunate enough to witness a small slice of life through bicycles — and the many wonderful machines with one to four wheels that brought people together. I saw tears, pure joy, pride from parents watching their children ride, and kids looking up to their moms, dads, friends, and competitors. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of those moments.
The bicycle is a beautiful thing. Quite frankly, it saved my life in many ways. Because of that, I always felt a responsibility to be a steward of the sport and to help create a shop where everyone felt welcome, regardless of who they were or what they rode. My hope was always that people would leave excited to go ride their bike.
This chapter is coming to an end, and Westside Bicycle is now permanently closed.
Sharing a business can be difficult. Some partnerships are harder than others. But despite the challenges, I remain grateful for the countless riders, families, friendships, and conversations that passed through the doors ove
Thank you to everyone who supported the shop, trusted us with your bikes, shared stories, brought in your children for their first rides, or simply stopped by to talk cycling and life. Those moments mattered more than you probably know.
The shop may be gone, but the rides, memories, and community will stay with me forever.
None of this would have ever happened without the dedicated work of all our employees. Thank you.
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