BikeShed closed for Labour Day Long Weekend
The BikeShed is normally closed on public holiday weekends to allow our volunteers to take a proper break.
As Monday the 8th March is Labour Day here in Victoria, the sheds opening hours this weekend are:
- Fri 5th March - no volunteers available. Definitely closed.
- Sat 6th March - may be closed depending on how many volunteers turn up.
- Sun 7th March - may be closed depending on how many volunteers turn up.
Thomas Orange
The Bikeshed volunteers and members are profoundly saddened by the sudden death earlier this year (2009) of our friend and colleague Thomas Orange.
Thomas (pictured below) contributed a great deal to the Bikeshed; not only in the many things he innovated and built, but in his abilities to educate, to negotiate and to conciliate. He will be sadly missed by everyone at the shed, and we hope we can honour the memory of Thomas through building on his achievements.
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.
When are we open
Current opening hours:
- Fridays - 11am to 5pm
- Saturdays - 11am to 5pm
- Sundays - 12pm to 4pm
A NOTE ABOUT SUNDAYS: We started opening on Sundays last year and whilst it has been a great success, we are finding it very difficult to find enough volunteers for all three days each week. If you can help out on either Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays, please let us know. (Just come down and speak to a volunteer.)
PUBLIC HOLIDAY NOTE: We generally do not open on public holiday weekends, however this depends on available volunteers. Unless you have been informed otherwise, assume we won't be there on public holiday weekends.
HOT WEATHER NOTE: We will not open the shed if the temperature is forecast to go over 40 degress. (The shed is like an oven.)
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.
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.