Bike Dump receives welcome funding boost

St. Vital

Centennial

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This article was published 07/08/2024 (419 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

For cyclists across the city, there’s a group of committed volunteers ready to lend a helping hand. And the Bike Dump is receiving a big helping of support from Red River Mutual.

Located at 631 Main St., the Bike Dump is a volunteer-run, community bicycle education initiative that offers tools and space for folks to fix their bikes, and strives to make cycling and cycling knowledge accessible to all, especially people who might not otherwise be able to afford it.

Red River Mutual, a policy-holder-owned insurance company, recently announced an $18,000 donation to the Bike Dump to support the installation of new metal cabinets and additional lighting in the space.

The Bike Dump was founded in 2005 and offers Winnipeggers cycling knowledge, parts and repair at no charge. The organization’s goal is to eliminate financial, social and knowledge barriers that prevent people using a bike.

Volunteers will guide participants through repairs of their bicycles, and refurbished, recycled bikes are also available for purchase on a sliding scale to enhance their affordability. It also offers bike repair workshops.

“The goal is to offer a space where anyone in the community can come in and work on their bicycles if they need repairs,” said core volunteer Ken Porath, referring to the Bike Dump as an educational space.

“If someone comes in and asks if we can fix their bike for them, we’ll politely say ‘no,’ but we’ll say we can show them how to do it,” Porath said.

“By showing them how to do it, they become self-sufficient.”

The retired St. Vital resident said folks come from all over the city — and beyond, at times — to utilize the organization, especially for the when its holding workshops.

“It’s important for us to be able to help patrons who might not have any other form of transport. Their bicycle might be their only way to get to work or to school or to get groceries,” Porath said.

He said the Bike Dump welcomes many new Canadians, who use the space as a valuable resource as they find their feet adapting to a new culture. “It’s such a great feeling, helping someone starting from scratch who’s starting a new life.”

Porath said monetary donations are gratefully accepted by the Bike Dump, and people donate numerous items, ranging from old bicycles to bike parts, tools and food.

Kailynn Newediuk, Red River Mutual’s marketing and communications manager, said the Bike Dump is a “hidden gem in the city” and represents a great sustainability model.

“A big part of our focus is diversity, equity and inclusion, and the Bike Dump really spoke to us when we saw its application,” Newediuk said.

“What they are is doing is definitely working for many people in the community, especially as they don’t have to worry about costs. It’s also such a sustainable approach.”

Describing the $18,000 in funding as a relatively humble ask, Newediuk said organizers explained the money “can go a long way.”

The Bike Dump is open on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. and Sunday afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m.

Go online at bike-dump.ca for more information.