But more than likely, even waiting around in line at the Broadway School is a "friendly" experience.

Feminist Leanings

Indeed, the school prides itself in being an open place that welcomes everyone. Among women, gay and lesbian bikers especially, Broadway is known to be a supportive place, worker-members say.

In fact, Broadway workers teach a special class for women only, which is geared toward providing a comfortable environment in which women can learn and work with bikes.

"Traditionally women have been discouraged from mechanical work. We've always felt a commitment to putting the wrench back in the woman's hand," says Sowers.

Kate Taylor, an employee only in her second week at the school, says she already likes the atmosphere at Broadway. "What attracted me was when a friend told me that they had a nice attitude towards women," she says.

"I've done a lot of work in carpentry and it's wonderful to be taken seriously from the start. You're taken for granted as a worker, and you don't have to prove anything."

According to Marcie Schutzman, a collective member of three years, a mix of gays, lesbians and straight men and women have worked in the shop since its opening. The school even advertises in gay and lesbian papers.

"It's definitely an aspect that sets us apart, but it's part of the whole scheme of things. It's part of us being open to all different kinds of lifestyles, bikes--whatever walks in the door," says Doyle. "We're people oriented."

"It's wonderful to be taken seriously from the start."