The BikeShed

Arts & Events - by Open Journal

It’s a vicious cycle. How many of us have old bikes sitting in the “I’ll fix it” pile, or outside getting rusty before eventually throwing them in the hard rubbish pile? Well, it’s time to change that and take your old two-wheeler for a visit to the BikeShed.

The BikeShed is a CERES (Centre for Education and Research in Environmental Strategies) initiative and is located in its community environment park, an award winning ten-acre urban farm, community and education hub in East Brunswick.

The BikeShed was built nearly a decade ago and is run entirely by volunteers whose mission it is to keep you riding your bike by giving you the tools and knowledge to do it yourself. Why pay someone to fix it when you can do it for free, right?

With memberships for only $10 per year, or $13 for a whole family or household, it’s the cheapest “new” bike you will ever get, with a great story behind it too. As a member you receive full use of the tools onsite as well as free training from the volunteer mechanics.

Don’t have a bike? No problem. The BikeShed also has affordable bikes for people who may not otherwise be able to purchase one – it’s all about getting more people commuting and helping build a sustainable local transport system.

Do you want to support this wonderful community initiative? The best way you can is not to donate money, but old bikes or parts for others to use, reuse, fix and create.

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Whether you’re fixing a bike for yourself or someone else, donating some old wheels, or merely popping in for a gander and a friendly chat, there’s a wonderful feel good factor about the BikeShed that makes it well worth a visit, not to mention the beautiful community park that it is situated in. With an organic market, permaculture and bush food nursery, cafe, eco house, Green Technology Hub, community gardens and even some organic egg laying chooks, there’s more than enough reasons to warrant a spot on your list of weekend activities.