SPOKES: Bike loan program

Making an old bike like new
Making an old bike like new!

UVic's organic bike share

SPOKES is a unique bicycle upcycling and loan program where volunteers give new life and use to old bikes. Since 2003, we have been diverting waste from the landfill, improving community health and taking action on climate change. SPOKES supports cycling at UVic.

Our goal is to make it easier and more affordable for UVic students (and employees) to get around on two wheels! UVic community members can use SPOKES bikes at cheap rates.

Location and hours

SPOKES is located in the Campus Bike Centre (CBC), University Centre (ground floor, entrance facing the BEC building). Posted hours change from monthly based on volunteer work availability.

July

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday:Closed
  • Friday: Closed
  • Saturday: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Sunday: Closed

SPOKES will be closed from July 28 to Aug 10

Bike returns

Return bikes during posted hours. IF you cannot make the posted hours, email to make a special appointment. All bikes must be returned with its lock and key.

Contact

Lucas Milroy, SPOKES Resource Coordinator (Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability)

spokes@uvic.ca, 250-472-4711

Campus Bike Centre, University Centre (ground floor, entrance facing the BEC building)

Follow 

Get to know SPOKES

Loans and rentals

Bike loans

The bike loan program is available to UVic students, faculty and staff on a first come, first serve basis.

We loan you a basic upcyled bike and you take care of it as if it were your own. All users are expected to put time, love, money and TLC into the loan bike so that when it is returned to us, it can be upcycled to another person!

Details for loans: 

Cost of bike loans are $40 for as long you are at UVic
  • half ($20) is a donation to SPOKES
  • half ($20) is a refundable deposit payable back to you when the bike is returned in working condition with its lock and key. 
Return bike when you leave UVic (or when you no longer need it)
  • your $20 deposit will be returned to you if the bike is in good working condition with its lock and key
  • if you cannot make the open hours to return the bike, book an appointment at spokes@uvic.ca 

Bikes loans are subject to availability and includes a lock

 

Bike rentals

Need a bike for a short period of time? You can rent a nicer upcycled bike, often with a few extra features.

Details for rentals:

Cost for rentals is $10 per day or $50 for seven days

  • payment due when picking up bike
  • from 1 day to 3 weeks (short-term only)
Great for weekend rides, in town guests, visitors and conference go-ers. Bike rentals are open to students, faculty, staff and campus guests.

Sales

Gear and helmet sales

SPOKES offers a variety of new but affordable safety equipment including helmets and bike lights in a range of prices. It is important to us that you get around safely on a bike!

Bike sales

We have used bikes for sale. Prices range from approximately $50 to $200. All sales are subject to availability and are final. Also check out used bike shops like Recyclistas and Bicycleitis.

Repair and maintenance

Bike repair assistance

SPOKES is not a bike shop. Our first priority is rebuilding and recycling of SPOKES bicycles. SPOKES recipients can bring their SPOKES bikes to the shop for basic repairs and adjustments for cash donations and by special permission.

SPOKES does not lend out its tools - basic tools can be found at the self-repair station (or bike kitchen) in the Campus Bike Centre.

For personal bikes, volunteers are happy to provide a quick assessment and can direct you to local bike shops for service. 

Workshops

SPOKES often hosts bike basic repair and maintenance workshops. Check back on this page or for upcoming events!

Donations

Bike donations

If you have a used, adult sized bike to donate, please drop it off during regular work hours or contact  or 250-472-4711.

Volunteering

Volunteer recruitment

Do you want to get your hands dirty while supporting a really cool program? The UVic SPOKES team is always looking for new volunteers to support its bicycle recycling service!

Volunteer information sessions

SPOKES hosts volunteer recruitment and appreciation nights several times per year. These sessions are fun, answers any questions you may have, gives a solid overview of the SPOKES space and program. Mentor with a senior mechanic volunteer or share your skills with others.

Volunteer details:

  • Drop in during posted working hours to meet our senior mechanic volunteers and learn how you can lend a hand to our amazing program.
  • Must have basic bike repair skills BUT volunteers who can help deal with "customer" service, help tidy the shop, pick up donations and promote our program are also welcome.
  • Expected commitment is 5 to 7 hours per month for 3 months at a time
  • Specific roles and honourariums are available for super keeners
  • We have an awesome group of people who are happy to help share their skills so you can also rebuild bikes ready-for-loan

Learn more about what it takes to volunteer with SPOKES and the rewarding work we do to provide low cost, green transportation solutions!

Contact the SPOKES Resource Coordinator  or 250-472-4711 for more information and how to get involved!

Sponsors

SPOKES was started in 2003. Over the past decade it has evolved to an award winning program, with over 650 bikes loaned out over the years. SPOKES is run by volunteers with generous support from the following agencies:

Video

More about SPOKES