The upcycle of the bicycle

There’s a pile of donated push bikes sitting outside a bike workshop on a property just north of Cheviot.

They’re not rusting up though, they’re being restored and sent to new homes.

The man behind this movement is Nick Watson of Sausage Dog Cycles, a bike repair shop.

Collaborating with Hurunui District Council’s Road Safety Programme (RSP), some great community initiatives have been happening.

Watson, who is based up Leader Road, repairs and donates unused push bikes, donating them to local schools to help build fleet bikes that students can use for cycling education and recreation.

To support this initiative, the RSP has ensured the bikes are accompanied with helmets so students can ride safely.

“I have quite a pile of bikes at the moment ready for a local school,” said Watson.

Back in July eight bikes were donated to Cheviot Area School by Sausage Dog Cycles, immediately used by enthusiastic students.

The school hopes to establish a bicycle maintenance station, where students can complete repairs and servicing as needed.

Last term, RSP funded a two-hour bike maintenance workshop at Waiau School by Sausage Dog Cycles, where students learned how to service and care for their own bikes.

The hands-on approach to learning about bike maintenance was thoroughly enjoyed by the students.

Principal of Waiau School, Megan Walker, said by the end of the two-hour workshop the students felt empowered about knowing how to look after their own bike.

“Nick tailored his lessons well, we really enjoyed having him out here,” said Walker.

A similar event is planned for Cheviot Area School this term.

Watson’s work week also features Free Bike Fridays, where donated bikes are restored, and given away, on a Friday.

This community work does double up as effective local awareness for Sausage Dog Cycles, but Watson said essentially, it’s a win-win for the communities of Hurunui.

“There’s not many bikes we can’t use, and if we can’t use it then it’s stripped for parts that are given away to keep other bikes running.”

Bring your bike along and meet Nick Watson at the Amberley Farmers Market on Saturday 14 November, he’ll be offering bike maintenance advice and safety checks. Thanks to AA Canterbury West Coast District Council, RSP will be giving away free bike lights, along with a limited number of high-visibility vests supplied by the NZ Vulnerable Road User Trust.

“I think this is a great example of local partnerships. Nick is already doing amazing work and the RSP getting behind him makes his awesome work go even further,” said Council’s Road Safety Coordinator Emma Feathery.

“If you are worried about your bike and want someone to look at it or have any questions, then please stop in,” said Watson.