The thrill of the re-cycle
In the past week or so, Bevan Woodward has given away 17 bicycles.
‘‘It’s just a lovely feeling,’’ Woodward said. ‘‘For some people, it’s life-changing.’’
At Nelson Bike Hub, a new community space by the Covid-19 testing centre at Saxton Field, Woodward and his team breathe new life into used bicycles.
Donated bicycles are wheeled in and parked up along the wall, before being tuned by volunteers (including former Commonwealth champ and Olympic cycling mechanic Jim Matthews), who put in a day or two each week.
Then the bicycles are wheeled to the other end of the space, the hub’s shop floor, where visitors can pick up a bike for a donation.
However, if money is a barrier, Woodward is more than happy to give away a bike for nothing.
‘‘I love cycling; I want everyone to cycle,’’ he said. ‘‘I feel like this is a really positive way to make it happen.’’
Bike Hub Nelson has teamed up with community centres, schools and organisations such as Pathways to help people access bicycles.
For years, Woodward has campaigned for better conditions for cyclists. With progress often slow, advocacy can be frustrating and thankless, he said.
‘‘But on a daily basis [at the hub] you see so much happen. You want to be here when we give bikes away – it’s such a positive thing to see.’’
Woodward hoped the hub, which is supported by Nelson City Council funding, will become a central part of the local cycling community. In the coming months, his team will run maintenance workshops and repair cafes, and they are planning to open the space for groups to run courses.
Woodward welcomes donations of bicycles and accessories such as locks, helmets, child seats and bike racks. As long as a bicycle is structurally sound, the team will be able to work their magic, he said. He’s also on the lookout for volunteers.
For information, visit facebook. com/BikeHubNelson or bikehubnelson.org.