By Joyce Chew.
Gateway Bike Hub
Biking provides health benefits of physical fitness, weight management, joint health and mental well-being. There are financial benefits in saving money on fuel, parking and car maintenance costs. This means of transportation promotes independence and enhances social benefits of affordable and healthy recreational activities of sight-seeing for families and friends.
The Neighbourhood Organization’s Gateway Bike Hub (GBH) is part of a network of community support programs by the City of Toronto’s Community Reduce and Reuse Program to reduce waste. It focuses on promoting Biking as active transportation that empowers the local residents of Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park. GBH offers a number of programs and services which make it viable to embrace the philosophy of “People Power Bikes; Bikes Power People”.
The unique key holder was designed by Ryan (Bike Mechanic and Instructor at Gateway Bike Hub) using recycled chain rings from broken bicycles, making shared keys harder to misplace.
GBH accepts used bikes, accessories and parts from anyone looking to donate, a big chunk of this support comes from the Toronto Police Services who give unclaimed bikes that were stolen or discarded; from Toronto Waste Management’s bikes found abandoned throughout the city; from building & condo managers; other bike hubs; as well as private donors. GBH recovers, restores and repurpose these bikes. In turn, these roadworthy bikes are donated back into the community through their various noteworthy events.
Earn-A-Bike Sessions
During March 2025, GBH held four Earn-A-Bike Sessions. These 2-hours commitment were hands-on education on “Air” which focuses on inner tube features, compatible pump and tire pressure. They then explored the various types of “Brakes” and “Chains” which illustrated the various shifting examples. They also learnt ways to Fix-a-Flat, hence empowering them with bike maintenance confidence.
The clients not only gained some basic bike repairs knowledge, but also went home with the bike that they were paired with, which they can pride as their accomplishment in restoring and repurposing their roadworthy bike.
Project Re-cycle : Bike Giveaway
On May 24, 2025 GBH hosted their Bike Giveaway at the parking lot of East York Mall. Although this event was scheduled to start at 10 am, the line-up started way before that.
As it was a first-come first served basis, residents hoped to get the best choices by turning up early. Officers from Toronto Police Service were on site to navigate the crowd.
Thereafter, staff or volunteers assist the recipients by pairing them to suitable bikes and adjusting them to fit the individuals before they part off with their bike gifts.
Bike Repair
GBH also offer free repair services through appointments. When parts are available, the clients do not have to pay for them. When unavailable parts have to be purchased, they offer suggestions and these items can then be purchased directly by the clients.
Bike Mechanical Workshop
This hands-on learning opportunity focuses on bicycle safety, maintenance, troubleshooting and problem solving. It is one-on-one sessions mentored by experienced staff. Trained clients can also opt to become volunteers at GBH.
This year, GBH also collaborated with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) on their Focus on Youth Training (FOYT). 2 students enrolled for this 5 week program where they had intensive training, attained job experience, acquired problem solving skills and enhanced their communication skills.
Women’s Cycling : Learn-To-Ride
For four dates in July 2025, GBH collaborated with Women’s Cycling Network to empower women of all ages to learn how to ride a bike. Biking is an affordable and convenient means of transportation. It promotes independence, empowerment with a sense of safety when Biking, especially for women who face the hurdle of this transportation freedom in some cultures.
Bikes and Helmets were provided during these sessions. The sessions were held within the safe compounds of Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute. The instructors applied user friendly techniques that provided the confidence during training. At the start of the training, the pedals were removed and participants used their feet to push. This is a modern teaching technique that helps maintain balance. The pedals were eventually put back. Some students mastered the ways to bike within the 2-hour training time, others eventually became a confident cyclist after more practices.
Kids Learn-To-Ride: Bike Lessons
On July 21, 23 and 25, 2025, kids acquired the essential skills to bike. Children under 14 had to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Bikes and helmets were provided.
Indeed, GBH is instrumental in promoting Biking through their initiatives and leadership, which have a big impact within the community, hence empowering individuals while reducing waste at the same time. Once a person’s confidence and well-being is established, it leads to the next level of personal development or interests. The community is fortunate to be associated with some other free or convenient services that complement a biker’s interests. How about exploring benefits within this community, such as:
- Designated bikes lanes around Thorncliffe. New bikers feel more confident when they practice and progress on designated lanes with less fast moving vehicle challenges.
- Women’s Cycling Network (www.womenscyclingnetwork.ca). Women who bike for health benefits, transportation, freedom and empowerment.
- Bike Share Toronto (www.bikesharetoronto.com). If one does not own a bike, Bike Share Toronto has stations around the community where families and friends can utilize this service to bike in a fun, flexible and cost-effective way to bike around Toronto. Before Bike Share was launched here, GBH was also invited to provide initial community input into this program.
- Mountain Biking with Don’t Mess with the Don (www.dontmesswiththedon.ca/mountain-biking-program). This unique experience for families and individuals who are provided with top-quality Marin bikes, all necessary gears, and guides who will lead through some of the most scenic trails in Don Valley.
Gateway Bike Hub’s initiative of free bike repairs, bike refurbish, bike giveaway, bike training are initiatives that reduce carbon footprint when people opt for Biking instead of driving. Kudos to the organizations that promote Biking.
References:
Gateway Bike Hub – A community project
