Can you share bike repair skills?

A request for volunteers to undertake a few hours of bicycle repair work at the Bridge Camphill Community has been made by the co-worker operating the initiative, writes Brian Byrne.

Max Livesey started the bicycle workshop project last January and says they've had an 'exciting' time with it since. "We have managed to overhaul and sell on a number of bicycle and have purchased several new bikes for use in the community," he says. "These include a tandem and an addition tricycle which is great for the residents here who do not feel very confident on a normal two wheeler."

James and Kevin, residents of the community, are now regular mechanics and have improved their skills in mechanical work and knowledge of bicycle tools through the project. Kevin and the Livesey family also took a cycling holiday along the Westport Greenway for a few days using the new tricycle purchased by donations from An Tearmann.

The project has an agreement with Silliot Hill Recycling Centre to receive unwanted bicycles to use for spare parts or renovate.

Max says he would really like to increase the time spent running the workshop. "My current responsibilities in the community only allow me for one day a week to work with residents on the bike workshop," he says. "I feel that we are only scratching the surface and there is a lot more that could be done that I don't have time for."

He's looking for any potential volunteers in the Kilcullen area with a background or knowledge of bicycle mechanics who would be willing to give some time to this. "It may just be a couple of hours a week or whatever people could manage. It may not be working with residents, rather someone to get on with mechanical jobs quickly.".

Anyone who wants to help can contact Max by phone on 087 3724358 to get more details.