USask donation program gives old bike parts new life
Each year a significant number of bikes and bike parts are abandoned on campus and rather than seeing them end up in the landfill, or as scrap metal, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) donates them to Bridge City Bicycle Co-op (BCBC).
By Jane Caulfield“The BCBC is a non-profit that offers a drop-in workspace, tools and supplies and hands-on bike maintenance education,” said Erin Akins, sustainability initiatives co-ordinator at USask. “Anyone can go to their space and learn how to fix their own bicycle or build a bicycle using donated frames and parts.”
According to Akins, donating to the BCBC has even gotten easier as there is now a designated dropoff area at the Saskatoon landfill for bicycles and bike parts. It’s also one way the university is working to improve its sustainability efforts.
“USask aims to support both sustainability and community well-being. Through this program, we’re reducing waste by finding a way for these bikes to be re-used,” said Akins. “As a campus, we encourage staff, faculty and students to choose sustainable commuting options, including cycling.”
Initiatives such as the bike donation program to the BCBC also strengthens the university’s role as an active member of the Saskatoon community.
“BCBC is a great locally-based community organization that is helping get people into biking affordably and helping them learn and build skills. We share a lot of common goals,” said Akins
In addition to supporting community organizations like the BCBC, USask has taken many steps to making cycling an easy and accessible form of sustainable transportation to, from, and around the campus. For those who choose to commute by bicycle there are various services and supports available.
