The Winnipeg Repair Education and Cycling Hub (WRENCH) has bike repair workshops running all year.
By Kelsey Norquay
WRENCH is making cycling culture inclusive and accessible through educational workshops and partnering with other community groups.
The charity’s mission is to help create strong and healthy communities by removing barriers surrounding bike building and repairs.
The Sister Cycle 2019 workshops provide a safe space for women, trans*, femme, and non-binary people to gain skills and encourage their involvement in the cycling community.
The free drop-in workshops are being offered on Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. starting on September 29 until December 1 at the WRENCH store located at 1057 Logan Avenue.
The WRENCH @ The Forks provides tools, parts, and mechanics at their Community Tune-Up Stands for people to come and repair their bikes. The guided repairs focus on teaching people the steps and skills to do it themselves.
“It’s important because it gives people independence and also knowledge on active transportation,” said Sommer Mazawasicuna, a volunteer.
The Forks service has been happening for four years now. It’s able to stay free because of donations like the train cars to store the bikes on site from the City of Winnipeg and money made from selling Ready-to-Ride refurbished bikes at the WRENCH’S store.
The satellite program runs every weekend from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. starting at the end of May until the end of September.
WRENCH also partners with Bike Together Winnipeg to donate bikes to youth in low income housing as well as isolated northern communities and reservations. This year they donated over 450 bikes along with helmets, lights, and locks.
Visit the WRENCH website to learn more about their other events and workshops: http://thewrench.ca/wordpress/
