Portage AT Committee Announces new Community Bicycle Shop Project
Portage la Prairie MB – May 30, 2016
– Portage la Prairie cyclists of all ages will soon have a place to fix
their own bicycles at a newly established Community Bicycle Repair
Shop.
The Community Bicycle Repair Shop is a partnership between the Portage
Active Transportation Committee and the Canadian Mental Health
Association (CMHA) – Central Region. The shop will provide access to
repair space, bicycle repair tools, bicycle parts, and educational
programming. Tools are being donated and purchased now for an end of
June 2016 opening. Use of tools will be on a donation basis with
everyone welcome to use the tools and space. All donations will support
the not-for-profit charitable project.
“The
Community Bicycle Repair Shop project is a profound community building
idea,” said Jordan Friesen, Executive Director of CMHA-Central Region.
“This project will help enhance people’s lives, and it fits well with
CMHA’s mental health initiatives of supporting people who are
marginalized, at-risk, or vulnerable.”
“This project is truly
for everyone,” said Ian Wassink, Project Steering Committee Chair for
the Community Bicycle Repair Shop and Portage AT Committee member.
“Portagers – from kids to seniors - will have access to specialized
bicycle tools, bike stands, parts, oil and grease, and educational
programming. We are going to bring in bike experts to lead repair
workshops, and have Open Shop hours for drop-in repair time. Volunteers
can also help maintain the shop during Volunteer Shop.”
In
recent years, the number of bicycles and Active Transportation
initiatives have risen in Portage la Prairie. In addition to pathways,
the Portage Fire Fighters Annual Bike Auction, and the annual Bike Week
events each June, Portage will now have a volunteer-based bike repair
shop.
The timeline for the shop includes organization and
initial tool purchase in June 2016 with a soft opening end of June.
Educational programming will hopefully roll out in the summer and into
the fall. The use of space is being donated by CMHA-Central Region at a
new garage built near the Tupper St. Bridge/Overpass. A grand opening
will occur in the summer or fall of 2016.
The Portage AT
Committee is looking for anyone who knows anything about bicycle repair
or tools to come forward and assist. Donations of tools, bicycles, bike
parts, skills, money, and volunteer time are welcome. People are
encouraged to join the project steering committee to help guide the
initial set-up and operation of the shop.
To assist further, please contact Ian Wassink at ianwassink@gmail.com
For media inquiries and interview opportunities, please contact:
Ian Wassink
Project Steering Committee Chair
Portage Active Transportation Committee member
Community Bicycle Repair Shop
204-249-0088
ianwassink@gmail.com