Community members repaired bikes in Langley at James Kennedy Elementary on Saturday, July 8.
Langley Environmental Protection Society (LEPS) is resurrecting the “Repair Cafe” with funding received from the Langley Township, which were often held prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nichole Marples, executive director of LEPS, said the cafes inspire sustainability on a local level and encourage people to work together.
“While specialist volunteers repair broken belongings, participants pick up on hands-on skills. This helps people engage with like-minded community members, practice teamwork, and build relationships from a place of reciprocity, trust, and sustainability,” she explained.
Volunteers came from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
Carter Poling is a Grade 12 student at Walnut Grove Secondary (WGSS) and interested in bikes as a past time. He often fixes his friends bikes, and volunteered to practice his skills further and learn new ones.
Marples said the bike-focused repair cafe has alleviated some pressure on local bike shops, which are overworked like many other businesses.
“They’re glad we’re doing this because they don’t have time for the smaller repairs,” she shared.
John Evanochko, committee member of Bike Hub Langley chapter, was tending a booth to share information with visitors about cycling in Langley.
Recycled Equipment and Cycles (REC) for Kids came out with its van full of bike repair equipment as well.
“The whole underlying thing here is about community connection and that generational connection,” Marples said.
In general, repair cafes encourage reduction of waste sent to landfills and facilitate the repurposing of common household items, she added.
LEPS is planning two more repair cafes later this year.
The next Repair Cafe will be held on Sept. 9, and the final before the end of the year.
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