Pedal power has been super-sized in Manurewa with the Beautifcation Trust opening Auckland’s newest bike hub recently.
The hub is designed to boost local cycling by helping the community get the skills, equipment and confidence to ride.
High school teacher and hub operator Reesh Casey says one family turned up with several bikes they couldn’t afford to fix.
They were quickly returned to action. “While the fried rice they brought us to say thank you was lovely, the only reward we needed was seeing the smiles on their faces.,” he adds.
A keen cyclist, he says bikes are more than just transport, enabling families to enjoy low-cost activities together and providing a sense of freedom.
The trust has a long-term partnership with Manurewa Local Board and is operating the hub at Dalgety Drive by the Browns Road netball courts, with support from Auckland Transport.
“Our aim is to break down barriers to cycling and make it more accessible for our people,” trust head Daniel Barthow says.
“Whether you’re an experienced rider or keen to bike for the first time, our team can help get you moving safely and confidently.”
The hub will operate from two containers turned workshops, on Thursday from 12-6pm, and Friday and Saturday from 10am-4pm, providing free access to tools, maintenance, safety tips, and guidance on local routes. Refurbished donated bikes will also be sold.
“Making those bikes available keeps them out of landfill and gives more people the chance to ride,” Barthow explains.
Renowned for its murals, the trust’s next step will be painting the containers.
Manurewa Local Board chair Matt Winiata says Auckland’s first bike hub opened in 2017 in New Lynn, and his board will now consider increased funding in next year’s budget.
“Since its launch, Auckland Transport has partnered with community groups to create a network of 14 hubs across the city that have been used by more than 50,000 people and repaired more than 17,000 bikes,” Winiata adds.
“The trust helps communities look after the environment and since 2001 has led beautification projects, events, zero waste programmes and environmental education across the south and east, and now it can add bike hub to its lists of achievements.”
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