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Nelson charity rehomes 2000 bikes
Bike Hub Nelson has re-homed its 2000th bike.
The milestone comes less than two years after the launch of the charity that fixes up donated bikes and makes them available to the community on a koha-basis.
The 2000th bike went home with Phalla, a refugee from Cambodia who has been resettled with his family in Richmond. The charity’s 2001st bike went to his wife Siem. Phalla and Siem arrived in New Zealand two months ago. They do not have a car and the bikes will be their main form of transport.
Bike Hub Nelson coordinator Matt Lawrey says Phalla and Siem were clearly “rapt” to get their bikes along with helmets and locks. He says the charity’s success is a tribute to the whole Nelson-Tasman community.
“What we’re doing is only possible because of people’s generosity. It’s all thanks to those individuals who donate bikes, our volunteers and our supporters, including local businesses, like NBS, and Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council. Without all of that awesome support, we simply could not do what we’re doing,” he says.
Bike Hub Nelson is based at Saxton Field. In addition to being open to the public, the charity works with a diverse range of social services and schools to get bikes to people who need them. Bikes are provided to refugees and other higher need customers for free.
Matt says the list of benefits that come with Bike Hub Nelson’s work is a long one.
“We’re keeping bikes out of landfill, helping people to save money, increasing people’s opportunities to participate in society, helping to reduce congestion, helping to reduce emissions, fighting obesity and giving people something fun to do,” he says.
“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.”
Matt says Bike Hub Nelson’s impact is also being felt in the number of people using the region’s cycling infrastructure.
“We reckon we’re getting well over 100 new cyclists of all ages on the roads and cycleways every month,” he says.
With around 50 volunteers, Bike Hub Nelson is also giving people an opportunity to pass on and learn new skills.
“We’ve actually got a waiting list for volunteers at the moment. It’s brilliant the way all sorts of people want to be a part of The Hub. In fact, we regularly have three generations working on bikes alongside each other, which is particularly cool.”
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.
Matt says the charity is constantly on the hunt for decent quality bikes and helmets. Anyone in a position to help can contact him through the Bike Hub Nelson Facebook page or call/text 027 406 3434.
Photo: Bike Hub Nelson coordinator Matt Lawrey with the 2000th recipient of a bike from the charity, Cambodian refugee Phalla, the 2001st recipient, Siem, and Red Cross volunteer Melanie Ophoff. Photo: Tania Norfolk
Article type:
Contact Name: Matt Lawrey
Contact Phone: 027 406 3434
Contact Email: [email protected]
