July 16, 2012

Free bike maintenance workshops

Bike a bit dodgy? Does it need a bit of TLC to get it back on the road? If so then come along to one of two free bike maintenance workshops being held this week.

The free bike maintenance workshops are run by a group of volunteers from ICECycles (Inner City East Cycles), and supported by Community and Public Health, a division of the Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB).

Health Promoter Meg Christie says the free workshops are all about getting more people in Canterbury cycling.

“Cycling is a healthy and affordable way to get around, and sometimes all it takes is a few quick fixes to make people’s old bikes roadworthy,” Ms Christie says.

The free workshops started in 2008 when the Te Whare Roimata community in the Inner City East were approached about a proposed free bike hire scheme.

“The local community told us loud and clear that there was no shortage of bikes, but that the bikes they had were in poor working order. As a consequence the proposed bike hire scheme was abandoned and free bike maintenance workshops were set up,” Ms Christie says.

ICECycles volunteer and CDHB Medical Physicist Steven Muir says that there have been eight workshops since 2008 and over this time nearly 250 bikes have been repaired.

“As well as repairing bikes, ICECycles also restores donated bikes and provides them for free to those in need. Over the last four years we’ve found new owners for 136 bikes,” Mr Muir says.

“If you have an unwanted bike or helmet then please let ICECcyles know. They can collect it, restore it, and pass it on to someone who really needs it.”

This week’s free workshops are at:
• 270 Gloucester Street (near Barbadoes Street corner)
Wednesday 18th July 8-9am
• Delta Community House (150 North Avon Road)
Saturday 21st July 1 - 4pm

ENDS

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