Bikes are a time-honoured option for parents buying Christmas presents for their kids.
But many bikes that end up under Christmas trees are bought new and once outgrown or no longer of interest, often end up in landfill.
Which is why West Footscray’s Community Bike Hub is encouraging parents to buy one of its second hand bikes this Christmas instead.
“It’s great to get a second hand bike for kids because otherwise it’s such a wasteful industry,” Community Bike Hub store manager Dan Seidel said.
The not-for-profit bike hub accepts donated bicycles, refurbishes them and then sells them at its store in Barkly Street.
Mr Seidel said the had plenty of second-hand bikes available in the lead up to Christmas, and not just for kids either.
“We’ve got bikes for all ages, almost any bike you could want,” he said
“If you get a bike for your kid you could get one for yourself so you can ride around with them.”
All proceeds from the bike sales go back into the Community Bike Hub’s operations, which includes delivering refurbished bikes to AMES Australia who then donate them to children in need for Christmas.
Mr Seidel said even donated bikes that can’t be refurbished are still put to good use.
“We have a program with the year 9’s at Footscray High where they learn how to strip them down and either repair or recycle them.”
Details: https://communitybikehub.com.au/
