Bike Windsor Essex's new home will be Snack Bar-B-Q on Chatham Street

Bike Windsor Essex has found a new home.

In August, the cycling advocacy group will move into a new space on Chatham St., just a few blocks away from their soon-to-be old home at 101 University Ave. W.

The space they're taking over is Snack Bar-B-Q, which will move next door to the nearby Downtown Pizza Co. at the end of July.

The cycling advocacy group was only halfway through their lease when they were told they needed to move by Aug. 28.

"The day we received the formal notification out of the blue that we were going to be moving was pretty shocking for all of us, and there was immediate panic," said Lori Newton, the group's executive director.

But with the offer of Mark Boscariol, a Windsor businessman, they will have a relatively seamless move. He was already planning to move the restaurant, and was worried about leaving an empty storefront.

"[The space] matched everything that they had in the capital, it came close enough," he said.

Before Bike Windsor Essex can move in, Boscariol will do some renovations to convert the restaurant into a suitable space for a cycling organization.

The tables and chairs, along with part of the bar, will have to go. 

"The kitchen, interestingly enough, is going to stay," Newton said.

There may be plans to use it as a community kitchen, and Boscariol said if they want to have a cafe down the road, it's an option.

However, the rent is going to be a bit pricier than their former University Avenue West and Pelissier Street location. Newton said there will be a fundraiser happening soon to fill the gap.

"We look forward to animating that space so close to the students," she said.

"I think that there is no growth unless you kind of push yourself and explore new things."