Source: Auckland Council
Glen Innes now has its own community bike hub, which follows in the ‘bike path’ of two similar hubs in West Auckland, all devoted to helping get more people cycling.
Run by EcoMatters Environment Trust, thanks to funding from Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board, Tamaki Regeneration and Auckland Transport, the newest hub is on Maybury Reserve, off Taniwha Street.
“The local board is really happy to support the Bike Hub projects because they result in fewer vehicles on our roads and helps keep our communities active.” Explains Chris Makoare, Chair of Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board
Sadly, the hub had a rocky start. After first opening its doors to the community in 2019, staff returned from the summer break to find it had been broken into, and bikes and tools stolen.
“While it was not the ideal way to start the new year, we’ve been blown away by the reaction from the local community, who have responded with messages of support and offers of replacement bikes,” says Brent Bielby, EcoMatters Environment Trust Community Bike Hubs Manager.
“I think it really shows how much the community embraces what the bike hub offers.”
Open from Thursday to Sunday between 10am and 2pm, anyone can call in for free route information and maps, as well as advice on basic bike maintenance and servicing.
“We’re all about getting more people cycling and that means giving people the confidence to ride and fix their bikes themselves,” says Glen Innes Bike Hub coordinator Jackie Makasani.
“It’s a friendly, welcoming space for everyone in the community, no matter what their experience of cycling. We’ve even got some fun novelty bikes to try.”
Like the EcoMatters Bike Hubs in Henderson and New Lynn, activities at the Glen Innes Bike Hub are supported by volunteers, who offer route and maintenance advice to visitors, and refurbish donated bikes.
These bikes are then made available to the community, keeping old bikes out of landfill and giving more people the opportunity to discover the joy of cycling. Some bikes are also available to borrow if you simply want to see if cycling is for you.
The Glen Innes Bike Hub is open 10am-2pm Thursday-Sunday at Maybury Reserve, off Taniwha Street. Find out more at ecomatters.org.nz/on-bikes
EcoMatters Environment Trust is a registered charity that aims to connect people and place, and to nurture kaitiakitanga (guardianship). We support the community with the knowledge and tools to live more sustainably.
