Bike Rescue program gets kids on two wheels

Six high schools receiving support through the Department of Transport’s Armadale Line Active Travel (ALAT) project have been restoring bikes to gift to local primary schools.

The Bike Rescue program sees high school students completely dismantle and rebuild two bikes over ten-weeks. The first bike is donated to a local primary school also involved in the ALAT project, which then earns the high school student the second one to customise and keep for themselves. 

Activities have been facilitated by youth outreach and engagement provider Dismantle and rolled out at Armadale Senior High School, Southern River College, Sevenoaks Senior College, Cannington Community College, Cecil Andrews College and Ursula Frayne Catholic College.

Department of Transport Director of Active Transport Michelle Prior said the Bike Rescue program was a dynamic initiative that builds knowledge, skills, confidence and teamwork through mentoring activities.

“For the high school students, they can see a worthwhile project through from beginning to end and are rewarded with a bike of their own,” Ms Prior said.

“They also learn about bike mechanics and the benefits of upcycling and gifting bikes.

“For the primary school students, it’s often a great way to get their first bike and learn to ride.”

The ALAT project is being delivered by the Department of Transport in partnership with METRONET and the Public Transport Authority, and in collaboration with local governments and schools. It supports and encourages people to walk, wheel and ride for local trips such as to school, shops and bus stations during the Armadale line shutdown period.