What’s happening?
HUB-New Westminster is presenting Share and Repair this Saturday, June 4.
It’s a new event aimed at helping more people bike affordably in New Westminster. The public is welcome to attend and bring bikes in to buy, sell or trade amongst each other. If children have outgrown good bikes or if people have bikes and/or accessories that they don’t use, they’re invited to bring them so those items can be used and appreciated by others at a fraction of the cost of buying new ones. People can also bring in accessories to swap or sell if they’d like.
I like my bike, but it needs a bit of work – can you help?
Several bike mechanics will be on site to help deal with minor repairs such as rusty chains, gears, brakes or have seats that need tightening or flat tires that need fixing. They can also diagnose other more difficult problems and estimate the costs, so people can decide if they want to keep the bike.
Should I attend the Share and Repair?
Ken Wilkinson, one of the program’s coordinators, notes that the more people who bring their bikes in, the more people will have to choose from, which helps the project reach its goal of getting more folks out enjoying cycling. He notes that the program has already collected about 30 bikes from the community and many of them have already been restored.
Where will donated bikes go?
“They will be going to families who have recently arrived as refugees to New Westminster from Iraq, Syria and Tibet to allow the children to ride with their new friends, for adults to start cycling to English classes and to work and to help them save on the cost of public transit,” Wilkinson said. “Others will also go to local charities and a daycare centre that is presently expanding.”
So, I hear Share and Repair is already a winner?
Share and Repair recently received one of three $1,500 ONE Prize grants from River Market. The grant will help cover the costs of restoring the donated bikes, buying helmets and locks for people as needed. Any additional donations made at Saturday’s event will also go to these costs.
Details please?
The Share and Repair is being held at the plaza around the Moody Park Pool on 10th Street on Saturday, June 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participation is open to all and is by donation.
What is HUB-New Westminster?
HUB isn’t an acronym, but rather refers to the hub – or the centre – of the biking wheel. The local chapter of the non-profit organization provides bike education (such as maps of safe routes around the region), cycling safety, research and advocacy to help make biking easier and safer for more people in communities.
It sponsors events such as Bike to Work, local bike safety and training and is involved in local events (such as organizing a bike rodeo in the upcoming Pier to Landing event). The group’s goal is to expand its activities so it can help people become active cyclists, meet others and learn more about cycling in our community.
Who can join HUB-New West?
Families, recreational cyclists, people who want to learn more about the biking community and those who choose cycling as a main form of transportation are all welcome. HUB-New West representatives will be at Share and Repair – so drop by and say hello.
