For John Breza, owner of Trans Port Station on 87th Street, bicycles are more than just a way to get around–they’re the key to a better future. Located in the heart of Westchester’s thriving Triangle, his bike shop is leading what John calls the “micromobility revolution,” championing electric bikes, scooters, and tricycles as great alternative transportation for Angelenos.
From Aerospace to E-Bikes
John’s career began in the aerospace industry. When he retired a few years ago, he decided to turn his focus to getting earthbound folks onto e-bikes.
Whether it’s about launching people into space or carting fresh produce from the farmers’ market, John says he’s always been interested in exploring alternative forms of getting around. He first encountered e-bikes in New York City in the late 1990s.
“The first time I rode an e-bike, I thought, ‘This bike could change the world!’ And now, technology has evolved to the point where it truly can,” John says.
He selected Westchester as the home for his business because he liked the area for its active community and forward-thinking mindset. His first location was in the shopping center that housed Dinah’s, but when the land was purchased for redevelopment, he knew the Westchester Triangle was the perfect spot to relocate.
“This particular area is phenomenal, and we’re just really happy it’s popping right now,” he says.
The Potential of Micromobility
When John says he’s passionate about e-bike technology, he means it.
“It’s probably the most important vehicle since the Mongolians learned to mount and ride the horse, in the 1200s. People who ride e-bikes for the first time are like, ‘Wow! This is truly bionic’ because what you have is an electric motor and human power meshing together almost seamlessly. In the last 30 years, I’ve seen the development of that to a level that is quite high in terms of the quality,” he says.
He urges people not to underestimate how e-bikes can improve their lives.
“Whether it’s running errands, commuting to work, or even reducing crime by humanizing our streets, e-bikes and other micromobility vehicles have the power to reshape how we interact with our neighborhoods and our city,” he says.
While e-bikes are probably the most popular item at Trans Port Station, electric scooters and e-tricycles designed for carrying cargo are also gaining traction.
“These small electric vehicles offer options that traditional cars can’t match and they work in tandem with public transit,” he says. “The true revolution in electric vehicles is not in the electric car, but in e-micromobility.”
Challenges on the Road Ahead
While John is optimistic about the future of all e-vehicles, he knows Los Angeles is a car-focused city and safety for bicyclists is a big concern.
“Riding in the streets here is incredibly dangerous,” he says. “What we need are more bike-friendly streets and a cultural shift to prioritize alternative transportation.”
But he also knows that not everyone is a fan of the electric bikes that seem to be everywhere these days.
“There’s a misconception that e-bikes are a nuisance or unsafe. But these vehicles are too efficient and too valuable to ignore,” he says.
Direct to Humans
As for John’s role in encouraging people to “think outside the car,” at his shop located between Ayara and Triangle Wines, he offers sales, service repairs and rentals of all quality bikes, from manual 10-speeds to cutting-edge electric models. Most importantly, he wants to provide the human interaction people won’t get shopping online. John’s goal is for Trans Port Station to be more than just a bike shop; for him, it’s a community hub. His team focuses on providing personalized service, offering guidance for all things bikes, not just the ones they sell.
“We call it, ‘direct to humans,’” he says with a smile. “People miss walking into a shop and having their questions answered face-to-face.”
The shop also caters to a wide range of customers, including those with physical challenges.
“We believe micromobility can benefit everyone,” says John, who shares that motorized tricycles are becoming increasingly popular with people who struggle with balance or need to carry heavy loads.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, John is optimistic about the future of e-bikes locally.
“I think we’re very lucky here in Westchester because we have two very good bike lanes that lead us to the beach,” he says. “It might take a while, but I believe we’re moving toward a more bike-friendly city. These vehicles are just too efficient and versatile not to catch on.”
For now, John’s focus is on making Trans Port Station a helpful, family-friendly bike shop for the whole community.
“We’re here to help people find the right bike for their needs and to show them how micromobility can change their lives,” he says. “It’s not just about selling bikes; it’s about building connections and making our neighborhoods better.”
Trans Port Station is located at 6239 West 87th Street. Call (310) 429-2791 or visit tportstation.com for more information.
Story by Shanee Edwards. Photos by Robert Higgins.
