Welcoming Wheels provides newcomers with cycling opportunities to increase wellness, equity, access, connectedness, and environmental health.
Welcoming Wheels was initiated in 2015 with the intention of offering newcomers in Halifax the opportunity to access and enjoy all benefits of cycling. These bikes provide newcomers with another form of transportation that allows them to connect with their communities, gain access to places, people, jobs and also have positive effects on their physical and mental wellbeing.
The Ecology Action Centre has partnerships with Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS), Halifax Refugee Clinic (HRC) and others, that allow us to reach newcomers interested in our programs.
Since 2015, Welcoming Wheels has repaired and gifted over 500 bikes as well as taught safe cycling workshops to over 500 newcomers through our programs.
Kids Bike Gifting Events
Kids Bike Gifting Events
The Kids Bike Gifting events are hosted in partnership with ISANS and the Halifax Refugee Clinic to provide children with a refurbished bicycle, helmet, bell, lights, and a lock. Additionally, all families participate in a basic safe cycling course.
Earn-a-Bike
Earn-a-Bike
The Earn-a-Bike program offers newcomers the opportunity to acquire a refurbished bicycle, helmet, lights, lock, and a bell. Interested newcomers are asked to volunteer for a minimum of 12 hours with the Welcoming Wheels repair night or other Welcoming Wheels events in return (no mechanical experience necessary). The program provides an opportunity to gain basic bicycle mechanic skills and meet other people who bike. Youth over the age of 12 can participate, but those younger than 16 need to volunteer with a parent or guardian.
To participate, fill out the Earn-A-Bike Intake Survey, Risk Liability Form and Photo Release Form. For more information, email bikebuddy@ecologyaction.ca. Before your first volunteering session at Bike Again, please take ~30 minutes to complete the Making Tracks online safety training. This online session will count towards your 12 hours of volunteering.
Repair Nights
Repair Nights
Welcoming Wheels Repair Nights are for anyone interested in volunteering and learning basic bike repair skills. Repair nights are every Tuesday evening from 5-9 p.m. (except for long weekends and in extreme weather) at Bike Again at 5664 Charles St. These nights make for a good time with volunteers socializing and repairing bikes for Welcoming Wheel’s programs! Youth over the age of 12 can participate, but those younger than 16 need to volunteer with a parent or guardian. No mechanical experience necessary to participate.
Email bikebuddy@ecologyaction.ca for more information.
How Do I Get Involved?
How Do I Get Involved?
Volunteer
Welcoming Wheels is always looking for volunteers to help with any of the following:
- Bike triage and repair
- Client and event support
- Cycling leadership training
- Translation and interpretation
- Mentoring
- Photography and videography
Contact us
If you're interested in becoming involved please email bikebuddy@ecologyaction.ca.
To stay tuned to upcoming events news stay connected with us by visiting our Facebook Page.
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Program Funders & Partners
Program Funders
