Back2Bikes, a dynamic charity in Port Melbourne, is empowering its community by refurbishing and donating pushbikes with the help of many passionate volunteers.

Introducing Back2Bikes – a charity in Port Melbourne that helps donate, refurbish, and remove upwards of 1000 bikes from landfill annually. Powered by 120 passionate humans, this volunteer-driven not-for-profit is only a 13-minute cycle from Melbourne’s famous Flinders Street Station. It could be the home of your next sustainable ride!

The Back2Bikes mission is simple. To provide affordable, sustainable, and quality transport to people in need. This includes selling refurbished bikes at low cost to the general public and then using these proceeds to donate bikes to the homeless, refugees, mental health sufferers, victims of domestic violence, and sufferers of substance use disorders. 

In the 2021 census, approximately 1 million Australians identified transport disadvantage as a major challenge to finding employment.

Chair and Operations Director at Back2Bikes, Geoff Smart, spoke about what the team does and the impact they have on the marginalised members of the community.

‘We work from the ground up, sourcing bikes from the local community, and our expert volunteer team repairs them to a high standard, so it’s really people-driven’, he said.

‘People need access to transport. Sometimes they really have no other way of getting around. By donating bikes, things like work, healthcare, groceries, and exercise all become more accessible.’

 

Sustainable Port Phillip Bike Charity is Donating Bikes to People in Need, photo by Jordan Tranter, charity, South Melbourne Market, smiling, bicycle

 

Back2Bikes also prides itself on creating environmentally sustainable solutions, including repurposing almost every single bike part that comes through its workshop. Each donation is triaged and bikes are either repaired, stripped for parts, or recycled.

This includes the recycling of tyres and tubing through Victorian-based Recycle Bike Tyres, which uses the recycled rubber to help create playgrounds, athletic tracks, and roads. 

Some bike parts have been sent as far as Namibia, where they’re used to create local bike repair stands and empower cycling communities overseas.

This programme is organised in conjunction with Bicycles for Humanity and is typical of the values-based partnerships that Back2Bikes initiates to make its reach conscious and impactful. Reclink, Launch Housing, and Sacred Heart Mission are just some of over 50 organisations that also work with Back2Bikes. 

Reclink founder and director, Peter Cullen, spoke warmly about their partnership with Back2Bikes and the importance of accessibility to exercise. 

‘Bikes are of tremendous interest. You can go out and see things; you can ride along the river; and you can do it with friends. To get those high-quality bikes from Back2Bikes is really good for group rides or the social services we work with’, he said.

 

Sustainable Port Phillip Bike Charity is Donating Bikes to People in Need, photo via Back2Bikes, community bike ride, cyclists, group, smiles

 

Reclink uses bikes refurbished by Back2Bikes to fulfil its mission of improving the lives of people who are disadvantaged through sport and recreation.

‘Many of our people will talk about suicidal feelings, and who knows what lives are saved when people get a new opportunity or have a new involvement? Even receiving something of such high quality gives them hope and inspiration that somebody cares.’

While Back2Bikes primarily focuses on providing bikes to those in need, it also seeks to supply bikes to anyone interested in cycling, from children, families, commuters, and beginners, all the way to adventurers and seasoned cycling veterans.

Mr Smart told of one famous customer who bought a refurbished 90s Shogun Trail Breaker and used it to ride around Victoria’s rail trails, including cycling from Melbourne all the way to Bendigo! 

 

Sustainable Port Phillip Bike Charity is Donating Bikes to People in Need, photo via Flickr by David Nichols, bike parts, bike frame, flat lay

Photo by @mybluevan via Flickr | License

 

‘It’s just a perfect example of the variety of customers that walk through our workshop doors. We really see the full gamut of cyclists come through’, he said.

The high standard of refurbishment is a point Back2Bikes believes sets it apart from other services. It means that not only are they making cycling accessible, but also safe.

Back2Bikes is hoping to continue its good work moving forward and has put out a call to anyone who’s looking for a new bike, has one to donate, or is interested in volunteering to get involved.

‘We’re always looking for new volunteers and donations. If you have some time to spare and want to contribute to something great, or even are just interested in purchasing a new bike and feeling good about it, please find us online, or even better, come visit us at our workshop – everyone is welcome’, said Mr Smart.

To get involved or find out more, swerve over to the Back2Bikes website or follow along on Facebook.

 

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