Community Bike Hub To Launch In Yate

Yate Community Bike Hub is set to launch this Saturday 28th May in Yate Shopping Centre.

With support from the Centre, the Hub is opening a pop-up shop in the Centre’s North Walk to encourage people to get on their bikes this summer. Manned by volunteers from Climate Action Yate and Chipping Sodbury, the hub will host information, events and a volunteer bike workshop to help people learn basic maintenance skills and to refurbish donated bikes for distribution to families in need.

Andrew Lowrey, Yate Shopping Centre Manager, said: “With climate change high on the agenda, it is important that we join forces with Climate Action Yate and Chipping Sodbury to encourage people to take more interest in cycling and even visit the Centre by bike. We have ample secure bicycle racks in the Centre so for every person who uses a bike, it is one less car on the road and less stress on our parking facilities.

“We are pleased to host the project in our unit at 7 North Walk at no cost to them for use as a bike hub, an equivalent donation of £7,000 to their cause. I hope people will take this opportunity to drop by to brush up on their skills or even take a new interest in getting on their bikes!”

Rebecca Bennett, speaking on behalf of the Climate Action Group, said: “We hope to open every Saturday in 7 North Walk between 28th May and July running crafts and children's activities and generally making a welcoming space where anyone can pop in to find out more about our activities and, importantly, bicycles!

“If people want to get actively involved, we are looking for volunteers to support the hub, both in the refurbishment workshop and front of house greeting people and answering questions so if you have a passion for moving about on two wheels and some time to spare, get in touch”.

Group activities will include:

Free e-bike and cargo bike hire schemes

Bike security, including bike register events with the Neighbourhood Policing team on the 28th May and 9th July

Ideas for getting around without a car, especially if with children or a disability

How to check a bike is ready to ride and where to go to get help from local bike shops if a bike needs fixing.

 As part of the Group’s mission to repair and recycle accessories, there will be a kit donation station to match bike related items in good repair such as helmets, clothing and accessories with new homes. They will also be accepting donated bikes in good condition, subject to availability in the Group’s community workshop.

Further information on the Action Group is available on their Facebook page so to keep up to date with news from the Hub go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/434042914180675/ or you can contact them at climateactionycs@gmail.com to get involved.