Can we talk about fixing up bikes instead of buying new ones?

I've been getting old bikes from my neighborhood (you know, the ones people leave out) and fixing them up in my garage. It's fun, saves money, and keeps stuff out of the dump. I think it's a small way to cut down on waste and car trips. What kind of reuse projects are you all into?

3 comments

3 Comments

hart.christopher4d ago

Absolutely, and @corablack nailed it with the community benefit. Last year I fixed up three abandoned bikes from my street. One was a rusty ten-speed that just needed new tires and grease. Seeing my friend use it daily instead of driving her kids to school feels really good.

wesleyl534d ago

Admit I used to buy new, but your bike salvage changed my view.

corablack4d ago

Seriously, the hidden win nobody talks about is how fixing up bikes builds up your local community on a personal level. I gave a tuned up cruiser to my neighbor's teenager last month and now that kid has a way to get to his after school job without begging for rides. It's not just about the stuff you keep out of the landfill, it's about the people you help get moving when a cheap, working bike changes their whole week.