People come from across Canberra to use the Bike Library in Gungahlin, but its future may be as precarious as a novice rider at the top of a steep hill: its funding runs out at the end of the year.
“At the moment, it is uncertain how it will continue in coming months or years,” said Jagmeet Sandhu, Community Services #1’s community development officer, who runs the Bike Library.
The organisers are running a fundraiser to continue, and urge the public to help. Donations can be made via https://asf.org.au/projects/pedal-power-act/keep-the-wheels-turning-at-the-bike-library.
The Bike Library, open every Tuesday at the Margaret Hendry School in Taylor, lends second-hand bicycles, scooters, helmets, and locks to any adult or child for up to six months. It also runs ‘Learn-to-Ride’ sessions and monthly ‘Fix-and-Ride’ sessions, where the community can learn basic bike maintenance skills. All services are free, and the Bike Library is run by volunteers.
In the last financial year, around 900 people used the Bike Library, and 200 bikes were borrowed, Mr Sandhu said.
Taylor residents of all ages volunteer and help with bike repairs, while more students ride bikes to the school.
Some users come from as far as Conder or Tuggeranong, the other end of Canberra.
Others are people in need. Recently, a woman escaping domestic violence used its services. A mechanic had quoted her $300 to repair her bicycle, a price she could not afford; the Bike Library repaired it for free.
Pedal Power ACT, Canberra’s largest cycling organisation, took over the Bike Library last year. “It has quickly become one of our most cherished initiatives,” a spokesperson said.
The ACT Government’s Suburban Land Agency supports the Bike Library through its Mingle community development program for the new suburb of Taylor: it contracts Community Services #1 to run the Bike Library, and provided money and supplies for its activities and events.
Their funding, however, runs out in December.
“Mingle’s purpose is to support community projects like this one get off the ground in new Canberra suburbs,” an SLA spokesperson said. “The Bike Library is a great success story, with Pedal Power transitioning into the leadership role, ensuring the project has a sustainable future.
“While the Mingle program is active in the suburb of Taylor, the Mingle team will continue to provide support to the community, ensuring that much-loved community initiatives such as the Bike Library can embed a sustainable model.”
Local Greens MLA Andrew Braddock said he was “very disappointed” to see the Suburban Land Agency funding end.
“This program provides fantastic opportunities for people of all ages to access a bike, learn how to ride their bike, and how to maintain their bike,” Mr Braddock said.
“Otherwise, residents on outer suburbs are at risk of becoming more car-dependent to the detriment of their wallet and their health.”
The Bike Library has set a target of raising $40,000, which would allow them to train more volunteers and increase the Library’s opening hours; hold more ‘Fix-and-Ride’ events (which cost $1,000 to run); provide helmets; and supply spare parts and tools for bike repairs.
“For all these sorts of things, we need funding,” Mr Sandhu said.
So far, they have raised nearly $9,675 – less than a quarter of the sum they seek.
If Pedal Power cannot raise enough money to keep the Bike Library running, they will use these funds for other events and programs.
“Kindly support our Bike Library,” Mr Sandhu said.
The Bike Library will gladly accept donations of bikes, helmets, bike locks, repair kits, or any sort of funding.
Those who want to volunteer can register on the Pedal Power website; they will be trained how to fix up bikes and loan them to the community.
The Bike Library and the Suburban Land Agency will hold a fundraising event in September – a “Fix-and-Ride” session where speakers will explain why the Library needs more funding.
