What do we do
The BikeShed is a volunteer on-site group at CERES in Melbourne. Our aim is to promote cycling in the local community by teaching people how to fix their own bikes. Membership of the BikeShed is $10 per year, or $5 for students and concession card holders.
- BikeShed members can use our tools on-site and get free training from our volunteer mechanics.
- If you do not have a bicycle, we will happily help you to fix one of our recycled bicycles.
- We have a range of recycled parts available to members at very low prices. If we do not have the parts you need, we will happily direct you to a local bike shop.
What we do not do
- We are not a bike shop. We cannot fix your bike for you.
- We do not make bicycles frames or bicycle trailers.
- Major frame repairs and welding equipment are not available.
- Tools are never for loan. They must be used on site.
Even though the bike shed cannot offer these services, our volunteers may be able to point you towards someone who can.
Recycled bicycles
Recycled bicycles are those that have been donated to the BikeShed for reuse or recycling. We occasionally have bikes ready to ride away, but most require some work.
We sell the bikes to raise money for tools and equipment at the shed. Each bike costs between $30 and $70, with vintage road bicycles, specialised bikes and high-end bikes costing a little more. This price includes all parts needed to get the bike on the road.
If you are buying a recycled bicycle, please allow a few hours to fix up the bike, or longer if you have no mechanical experience or would like an unusual bike.
When are we open
We are open Fridays and Saturdays, 11am to 5pm, although we will not be open if there is a public holiday on the Friday or following Monday, and even though CERES is open and busy on Sundays, we are never open on Sundays.
There are also occasional BikeShed working bees on other days of the week, but it is important for the running of the bike shed that this time is used efficiently, so we regret that we cannot sell bikes or help with bike repairs on these days.
The shed is staffed by volunteers so our opening times can vary. You can call CERES office any weekday on 9387 2609 (9am to 4.30pm) to confirm if the shed is currently open.
Where are we located
We are near the southern entrance to CERES, just off the Merri Creek bike path.
Getting to CERES by bike:
The Merri Creek bike path runs along the edge of CERES. The BikeShed is at the gate closest to the Blyth St/Atherton Road bridge in Brunswick East.
Getting to CERES by public transport:
Take the Number 96 tram to East Brunswick from the city (from Bourke St, travelling up Nicholson St) all the way to the end of the line at the intersection of Blyth and Nicholson Streets. CERES is about a 5 minute walk from the tram stop. Turn right down Blyth St (which becomes Arthurton Rd) and take the second street on the left (Roberts St) - CERES is 100m up Roberts St on the right - you can't miss it. Turn right at Lee Street and walk in.
Getting to CERES by car:
The main gate to CERES is on the corner of Roberts and Stewart Streets, Brunswick East, Victoria, 3057. Melways Map 30, B7. CERES is a car free zone excepting deliveries, site vehicles and disabled access, and where possible CERES encourages people to consider transport alternatives such as car pooling, public transport or self propelled modes of transport where possible. If you are driving, please park in one of the car parks on Blyth St approaching the creek from Nicholson St; in the spaces at the Lee St entrance; or at the car park on site at the corner of Roberts and Stewart Streets.
How can we be contacted
You can call Thorin Quinn on 0421 727 998, but please call at a reasonable hour. He will not be very helpful if you ring late at night or early in the morning.
What is CERES
CERES (the Centre for Education and Research in Environmental Strategies) is a community environment project located beside the Merri Creek in Brunswick, Melbourne. CERES is also the name of the Roman Goddess for agriculture.
CERES aims to foster awareness and action on environmental and social issues affecting urban areas. The site has displays and functional demonstrations on a range of environmental issues to show just what can be achieved at household, community and global levels.
For more details about CERES, please go to the CERES website at http://www.ceres.org.au