Nelson charity rehomes 2000 bikes
Bike Hub Nelson has rehomed its 2000th bike.
The milestone comes less than two years after the launch of the charity, which fixes up donated bikes and makes them available to the community on a koha basis.
Bike Hub Nelson co-ordinator Matt Lawrey said the 2000th bike went home with Phalla, a former refugee from Cambodia who has been resettled with his family in Richmond. The 2001st bike went to Phalla’s wife, Siem.
The couple, who arrived in New Zealand two months ago, do not have a car and the bikes will be their main form of transport, Lawrey said.
The couple were “rapt” with their new bikes, helmets and locks, he said.
Lawrey credited the charity’s success to community support.
“It’s all thanks to those individuals who donate bikes, our volunteers and our supporters, including local businesses, like NBS, and the Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council,” he said.
Bike Hub Nelson is based at Saxton Field. In addition to being open to the public, the charity works with social services and schools to get bikes to people who need them.
Bikes are provided free of charge to former refugees and other higher-need customers.
Red Cross spokesperson Ngaia Richardson said one of the first tasks of Red Cross volunteers was to help former refugees to be mobile.
“Bike Hub Nelson is an amazing source of bikes for former refugees who otherwise would not be able to afford them.
“It enables them to attend English language classes, go shopping, visit the markets, socialise in the community and be present at settlement appointments – all whilst getting fit and exploring Nelson and at no cost.”
Lawrey said the hub’s work had many benefits. “We’re keeping bikes out of landfill, helping people to save money, increasing people’s opportunities to participate in society, helping to reduce congestion ...emissions, fighting obesity and giving people something fun to do
“I think we’re also making people feel really good about their community. It’s not uncommon to get a hug from our bike recipients, and we’ve even had a few tears from people who are really grateful. The feel-good factor is huge.”
He estimated the hub helped to get more than 100 new cyclists onto the roads and cycleways each month.
With about 50 volunteers, Bike Hub Nelson is also giving people an opportunity to pass on and learn new skills.
“It’s brilliant the way all sorts of people want to be part of the hub.”
Bike Hub Nelson’s Saxton Field base is open to the public on Mondays from 5.30pm to 7pm and Wednesdays from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.
The hub is always on the lookout for decent quality bikes and helmets and can be contacted via the Bike Hub Nelson Facebook page or on 027 406 3434.