This September the Bike Hub turns 2!
And despite the challenges and restrictions of the past two years, we’re proud to announce our little social enterprise has had an amazing impact.
Our team of mechanics have not only managed to complete 1,000 services and 1400 repairs, they’ve also received some rave reviews –
“Very happy with my recent service. Rides the best its ever been. Glad to have during lockdown.”
“Best thing I did last lockdown was get my bike serviced. Five stars!”
Any spare time they have, the team get busy servicing and repairing some of the donated bikes with the funds helping support our volunteer and education programs.
With the growth of our Volunteer Program, the Bike Hub was able to once again able to re-establish themselves at the old location in Mills Close (next to Victoria University). Benefitting from more people working from home, flexible work hours or people inspired to do something new, the program has welcomed an influx of new volunteers.
With ages ranging from 13 – 73, the volunteers have repaired and recycled more than 500 bikes that have been rehomed to those in need through organisations such as AMES, Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, West Welcome Wagon, Baptcare, Melbourne City Mission, Brimbank Council and the Western English Language School.
Without knowing how many bikes were broken down for parts and Including stock of current bikes, it’s estimated that some 1300 bikes have been saved from landfill (bike sales + donated + stock + bikes broken for parts).
Another big success this year has been our free series of workshops for volunteers and young people which engaged over 90 participants. Skills such as learning how to change tyres, fix brakes and understanding the bike parts were enthusiastically welcomed by the young participants.
And things don’t stop there. The Inner West Community Bike Hub welcomes a new partner, the Surf Coast Bike Hub in Torquay. The Community Bike Hub’s new presence in Torquay will allow us to continue our work in ‘building bikes and building community’ while expanding our programs to include a Bike Academy.
While we are living in times of change and uncertainty, one thing is for sure, the Bike Hub continues to grow and the community continues to embrace it.