Local bike shop near Penn’s campus abruptly closes after 13 years

Keswick Cycle, the only bike shop near Penn's campus, abruptly closed permanently last month. 

Keswick Cycle had occupied its storefront on 40th and Locust streets since 2011. Since the University City location closed, customers have been asked to take their business to the Glenside or Paoli locations, according to a sign posted on the door of the building. 

The local bike shop — which had three branches across the Philadelphia area before the University City location's closure — first opened its doors in 1933 in Glenside, Pa. It later expanded to open storefronts in Paoli and University City. 

Keswick Cycle has not issued a public statement, and The Daily Pennsylvanian was unable to reach management for comment. 

"We are saddened to announce the closing of our University City location," a message on the store's website reads. "Please reach out to our teams in Glenside and Paoli if you have any questions."

As the only bike shop convenient to Penn, the loss of the store may impact commuters and students who use bikes to get around campus. The store carried an extensive selection of analog and electric bikes, as well as offering repairs, group rides, and community events. 

Throughout its time in University City, the store was named as one of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia's "Bike Shops That Rock" and became a popular shop for Penn commuters. 

When it opened in 2011, co-owner Brian Hackford told the DP that the store would "be unlike any other store in the city because of its size and offerings." 

The storefront originally was occupied by the first Urban Outfitters location in the country, later housing a bowling alley before Keswick Cycle opened.