Hub space opens possibilities for Youth en Route 

Thanks to some new funding from the City of Calgary, Youth en Route has been able to move operations into an actual physical location. We have a spacious garage and bike workshop at Shedpoint, a cool warehouse-sharing venue in Southeast Calgary.  

Dubbed the Bike Hub, Youth en Route’s team will use the space as an intake, triage and sorting facility for bike donations and a place for final checks before bikes find new homes. It’s not a shop, or a storage location – but a place where bikes come in, find some love from skilled bike refurbishers – either on location or at partners, and then find youth to ride and love them.  

“This is a huge step for our little organization,” said Executive Director Laura Shutiak. “We now have a hub where bikes can come in and go back out again to support active travel for kids and teens.” This grant is funding our Kids Bike Trade Up pilot project, and having space to take in donations was a key requirement.” Youth en Route is busy planning our second Kids Bike Trade up, and also working to get bikes out the door to teens in our school programs over the spring.  

The space allows us to strengthen our relationship with valued partners. The Bike Shed at the Greater Forest Lawn Seniors Center (Insert link from old blog pose) for example is able to work on bikes, and get bikes moved  more efficiently because Youth en Route has space. Bike Shed volunteers can focus time and energy on fixing bikes, rather than the logistics of storing and moving them.  

What started on June 1 as an empty workspace is now buzzing with activity and full of bikes and supplies. A key piece of the success of YER is operations manager Mario Rocha, who organizes the Hub, bikes, systems and volunteer mechanics.  

“Mario has done an amazing job organizing the space,” said Shutiak. “Using old pallets and whatever was available, he created shelving and room for even more bikes.” Funding for the space is temporary and part of a Circular Economy Grant Pilot Project. Already, its paying dividends. We’ve been able to host other mechanics and have volunteers in to help our bike refurbishment efforts – building capacity to get more bikes to more youth.  

Feel free to stop by ‘The Hub’ on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 5pm at 1212 34 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G to say hello!   Email the hub at Bikehub@youthenroute.ca