Welcoming Wheels offers cycling opportunities to newcomers in order to improve their well-being, equity, access, connectivity, and environmental health.
In order to provide newcomers in Halifax with the ability to access and enjoy all cycling benefits, Welcoming Wheels was founded in 2015. These bikes give newcomers access to a different mode of transportation that helps them integrate into their communities, get to know people and places, and access resources like jobs. They also have a good impact on their physical and emotional welfare.
In order to reach newcomers interested in our programs, the Ecology Action Centre has agreements with organizations including the Halifax Refugee Clinic (HRC), Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS), and others.
Welcoming Wheels has repaired and given out more than 500 bikes since 2015, and through our programs, we’ve also given safe cycling workshops to more than 500 newcomers.
Kids Bike Gifting Events
In collaboration with ISANS and the Halifax Refugee Clinic, the Kids Bike Gifting Events provide kids a reconditioned bike, a lock, a bell, and lights. All families also take part in a fundamental safe cycling course.
Earn-a-Bike
Newcomers have the option to purchase a refurbished bicycle, helmet, lights, lock, and bell through the Earn-a-Bike program. No prior mechanical knowledge is required, but interested newcomers are invited to volunteer for a minimum of 12 hours at the Welcoming Wheels repair night or other Welcoming Wheels activities. The program offers a chance to learn the fundamentals of bicycle maintenance and meet other cyclists. Youth above the age of 12 are welcome to join, but volunteers under the age of 16 must work alongside a parent or legal guardian.
Repair Nights
Anyone interested in volunteering and learning the fundamentals of bike repair is welcome to attend Welcoming Wheels Repair Nights. Every Tuesday from 5 to 9 o’clock in the evening is Repair Night. These nights are fun with volunteers mingling and fixing bikes for Welcoming Wheel’s programs at Bike Again at 5664 Charles St. (apart from long weekends and inclement weather). Youth above the age of 12 are welcome to join, but volunteers under the age of 16 must work alongside a parent or legal guardian. No prior mechanical knowledge is required to participate.
If you wish to be a volunteer, you can involve yourselves through their Bike Buddy Program that includes Bike triage and repair; Client and event support; cycling leadership training; Translation and interpretation; Mentoring; Photography and videography.
More programs to this event at https://ecologyaction.ca/our-work/transportation/welcoming-wheels
Reference:
https://ecologyaction.ca/
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