Citybikes was founded by Roger Noehren as a sole proprietorship in 1986,[2] in the current Repair Shop building.

[3] Citybikes has grown from a fledgling enterprise to a successful cooperatively run business employing about 20 people in winter, and 25 in summer.

The majority of decisions that affect the cooperative are made in bimonthly general meetings, with all workers present having equal say and voting power.

The board of directors is made up of the worker-owners, and is responsible for the long-term interests of the cooperative, setting goals and making final decisions on policies and procedures.

Apprenticeship is a two-year program which trains people to be both skilled mechanics, and effective workers within the cooperative structure.