Photo: Chaiel Schaffel/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Ferris Wheels Bike Shop in Jamaica Plain has found new ownership with a familiar face in the Boston biking community.
Pierre Payette has worked on bikes his entire life, working in shops in Massachusetts and New York, even working as an employee of this very store back when he was a teen.
“I had a job here as one of my first jobs while I was in high school,” Pierre said. “It just started out as a hobby, and then I realized that it was something that really saved me time getting to work, getting to school.”
Now that the previous owner has retired, Payette took up the mantle of owner of the Ferris Wheels Bike Shop.
“The previous owner was here for about 42 years,” Payette told WBZ NewsRadio. “Very excited to run a place in the vision that I’ve been dreaming of for quite a long time.” he said.
Payette also said he’s happy to see folks that were regulars during the previous owner’s time have remained loyal customers.
“We’re definitely seeing a lot of familiar faces, which is greatly appreciated,” Payette said.
Pierre talked about how interest in biking varies over time, but the pandemic caused a spike in popularity for the activity.
He also discussed how commuting via bike has become more commonplace with both traditional two-wheelers and e-bikes, as he feels morning commutes are more sluggish in a car.
“Dedham to Jamaica Plain in the morning is way slower by car,” Payette said.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Chaiel Schaffel (@CSchaffelWBZ) reports.