Big Bike Fix-Up Makes 200 Bikes Safe

There are now hundreds more safe bikes on Hastings roads after the Big Bike Fix-Up attracted more than 300 people and fixed 214 bikes yesterday.

Five bike mechanics churned through free safety checks on everything from BMX bikes to tricycles giving them a free warrant of fitness, making minor repairs or handing out around 50 $20 vouchers for more extensive repairs at either Revolution Bikes or The Hub.

The Big Bike Fix-Up is a Model Communities event, a project aimed at encouraging more people to walk and cycle in Hastings District and project manager, Owen Mata, says making people’s bikes safe to ride eliminates one hurdle in getting active.

“We are hoping to hold more Big Bike Fix Up events in Havelock North and Flaxmere soon. If you have a bike that’s gathering dust in the shed or you’re a bit worried about riding it in its current condition bring it along and we’ll do our best to get it back on the road,” Mr Mata says.

The event was attended by families, would-be commuters, recreational cyclists and people just wanting to get fit over summer and is just the first in a series of events aimed at getting people to choose walking or cycling over getting into their car for short trips.

Cycle mechanic Kurt McDonald, from Revolution Bikes in Havelock North, with Tuta Haerewa. Mr Haerewa uses his bike to get around during fruit-picking season so he thought he should bring it in for a check-up, and also rides because he "wouldn't mind losing a bit of weight".

The 'triage' area for the bike repairs, supervised by “Dr Bike” Bernie Kelly from Cycle Aware Hawke's Bay He also represents Cycle Advocates Network (CAN) which promotes "getting people riding through everyday use".

Les & Trev from Waka Roopu club in Clive. They describe themselves as outrigger canoeists who "also cycle and eat sausages". Trevor said the event was an "awesome initiative" and that cycling was great for cross-training. Centre is Sam Mcardle. In background Bike On’s Paul Mcardle, Sports Park Trustee Rex Graham and Flaxmere councillor Henare O’Keefe.

Flaxmere councillor, Jacoby Poulain, on her new bike sponsored by Revolution Bikes so she can get out and spread the Model Communities message. Cr Poulain is new to cycling and says she enjoyed cycling from Flaxmere to the Big Bike Fix-Up on Sunday.

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