New call goes out for old bikes

THE Y Ballarat’s ReCranked program is looking for donations of unused bikes that can be repaired and then given to people in need of transport.

In particular, the group is looking for 24 or 26-inch bikes which can be brought to their workshop at 1 Holly Grove in Wendouree.

“We like the bikes to be in reasonable condition but any bikes that cannot be repaired we strip down and remove parts,” said program organiser Wallace Martin.

“We have a very strict roadworthy criteria that bikes must meet so the guys here fix the bikes and get them up to a roadworthy condition.

“This means we know the bikes are safe when they go out.”

Donations can be made on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays from 2pm until 5pm.

“People can come and drop of their bikes in that time and away we go,” said Mr Martin.

ReCranked is an initiative which focuses on repurposing unwanted, unused, broken or forgotten bikes into a safe mode of transport for those in need.

After the donated bikes are transformed by ReCranked staff they are given to new owners who also receive maintenance education and a helmet.

“We know from experience that for people who have got bikes it has allowed them to get to work and gives them that bit of independence,” said Mr Wallace.

“We’ve also had similar stories back from school aged people that it gives them a bit of independence and mum and dad don’t have to take them to school anymore.”