Vivid has restored 15 pre-loved bikes in 15 days through the UPbicycle Christmas Bike Blitz, with many being donated to Echuca Neighbourhood House to support families in need as Christmas approaches.
Vivid executive manager commercial operations Kylie Liebmann said Vivid’s UPbicycle Christmas Bike Blitz initiative had provided adults living with disability the opportunity to develop new skills in bicycle mechanics and safety, while working to strict deadlines.
“In addition to the valuable learning outcomes for our participants, this innovative initiative supports the health and wellbeing, social and emotional needs of those who are less fortunate in our community as we lead into Christmas,” Ms Liebmann said.
UPbicycle is a day program at Vivid, where qualified staff guide and support participants through the bike restoration process.
Ms Liebmann said Vivid had a designated area at its High St South site for safe and accessible UPbicycle bike restoration activities.
“A step-by-step safety compliance check list applies to each restoration before approval is granted for release,” she said.
Vivid received a $4000 community grant from Campaspe Shire Council to purchase much-needed tools for the initiative.
Green Pedal Cycles also donated a double bike stand to hold bicycles while they were being worked on by the mechanics.
Echuca Neighbourhood House president Trevor Crane said partnering with Vivid meant ENH was able to supply families in need with safe bicycles at Christmas time.
“The social and emotional implications of this initiative will improve both the health and wellbeing of those who would otherwise miss out at Christmas,” Mr Crane said.
“We are grateful to Vivid for providing us this opportunity.”
Vivid has sought industry support and endorsement for the opportunity for UPbicycle to continue beyond the Bike Blitz.
There are plans for UPbicycle to open to the public next year, selling fully restored bikes at a modest price to cover the parts purchased.
Any additional funds that may be raised through the program will go straight back into supporting Vivid participants and the future development of the UPbicycle bike restoration and education program.
Vivid thanked Campaspe Shire Council and Green Pedal Cycles for their support in helping to deliver a valuable program to adults living with disability.