As people across the nation make resolutions to live a greener life in 2010, Oakland-based Bikes 4 Life is a few paces ahead, thanks to a committed crew with a lot of heart. Located at 1600 7th Street, across the street and a few blocks away from the West Oakland BART, the bike shop space is packed with potential and ready to become a model of entrepreneurship, community service, and healthy living for the West Oakland community.

Co-founded by West Oakland residents Tony Coleman, 43, and Kendrick Grant, 25, the store’s mission is to “build a strong healthy greener community” by working with youth who are moving through the court system. Working with previously incarcerated young people is nothing new for this duo, who actually met through another program established by Coleman, On The Bricks, a program of the OneFam community organization. (The program provides job-training and support for those exiting juvenile hall and pairs them with mentors who have carved out new lives after prison.) “Tony was an older gentleman that had been through the prison system," explains Grant as the two sit side by side, “and he passed down a lot of knowledge to me through On the Bricks.”

While Coleman downplays his resume, Grant is quick to note that he has been a force in community development for years and even inspired the Ella Baker Center’s work with the Silence the Violence initiative. After a successful bike ride for peace in July 2009, the two organizers realized that they could reach youth, give back to their community and help the environment at the same time.

On December 12, 2009 Bikes4Life opened its doors. Entering the shop area, you’ll notice a few tools scattered about and bikes in various stages of assembly. The walls are painted a sparse white and there isn’t much to distract from the job at hand: the bike fixing, pumping, and repair training.

But the next room over is a different story. The walls are bright green to match the Bikes4Life logo, there are finished two-wheelers all around and pictures decorating the walls. It’s clear that the staff is pushing the green message through aesthetics, even the couch is green. The space feels like a work in process, yet welcoming and somewhat homey.

A photo of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense is pinned up next to posters from the campaign against 2000’s controversial Prop 21 on a board hanging opposite a vibrantly colored banner of Oscar Grant. Coleman stares at Oscar Grant’s face intensely, possibly replaying the video of the tragic incident in his mind. Or maybe he is pondering the details of the recent Oscar Grant Tribute that he helped organize. He shakes his head and snaps out of his trance to continue giving a tour of the quaint space. “It was the first thing to go up,” Coleman says, referring to the banner. “We put that up before we even put the furniture in.”

Still in the early stages, Bikes 4 Life is looking for volunteers to help with their mission.

“We understand that people have busy schedules,” says Coleman, “we’d like long term volunteers, but if bike mechanics could come in one or two hours and help train youth, that would be great.” The program’s connection to social justice work also has them looking for interns who are studying law. “We’re also looking for public relations and marketing interns,” notes Grant, “we need to get the word out.”

In the end, Coleman really wants to make sure that one thing is clear: “You can work collectively, be good to your environment, and give back to your community in the process.”

To get involved: Contact Bikes4Life, 1600 7th St. Oakland CA. or call 510-452-BIKE