SPOKES Bicycle Bursary Program

The SPOKES Program is back for another great year!

SPOKES is a bicycle loan and rental program at the University of Victoria. Volunteers give new life to old bikes making it easy for students, faculty and staff to have access to affordable, green, and active transportation.

For a one-time SPOKES membership fee of $10, you can either borrow a refurbished bicycle for an extended period of time or rent one of our newer bikes for up to a few weeks.

How it works

New Applications: We welcome applications for bike loans starting September 01, 2011. Students, faculty and staff can drop off a copy of their signed application to the mailbox located outside of the SPOKES Work Cage in the University Centre Parkade. We try to give out as many bicycles as possible as quickly as possible. You will be contacted when we are able to give you a bike. Please note that at the end of each semester we clear out all applications, so if you do not receive a loan, please apply again for January 01, 2011. Download a loan application here.

Bike Rentals: Bicycle rentals are available from SPOKES without any wait. The cost is $3 per day and we usually have a few styles to choose from. All bicycles come with a lock and are expected to be returned with the bike. Maximum rental time is 3 weeks. Download the rental application here.

New Volunteers: Interested in putting your skills to work? Drop by our volunteer open house on THURSDAY September 29, 2011 from 4:30pm - 6:30pm to find out how our program works and what to expect as a volunteer. We are seeking mechanics as well as people who can pick up donations and help us promote the program.

Bike Returns: Do you have a SPOKES bike? Please return your bike and lock during regular work party hours. If you are not able to come by at this time, please lock your bike to the storage cage and then toss in the key in an envelope with your name and the date on it. You can renew your loan, but have to come by to see us in person with it.

Bike Repair: If you require assistance with bike repair on your own bike, please visit the Bike Repair Kitchen located outside of the SUB on Finnerty Road. Or consider bringing your bike to one of the many local bike shops in Greater Victoria. SPOKES volunteers can sometimes assist you -- but our primary focus is for our bicycle fleet.

Bike Donations: Do you have an old bike to donate to SPOKES? As long as it is an ADULT-SIZED bicycle that has not been in an accident, we will do our best to get it fixed up and on the road. Please drop by your donation to our storage cage during work party hours or email the program to make arrangements for a pick up. Email: spokes@uvic.ca

How to find us

SPOKES has a work party cage located in west end of the underground parkade at the University Centre Building. You can enter from the stairs across from the David Strong Building or via the parkade driveway at the University Centre roundabout.

Fall Hours:

Monday 5-7pm

Tuesday 5-6:30

Wednesday 5-7pm

Volunteering for SPOKES

SPOKES is building a better community by sharing knowlede! Our entire program is run by volunteers who teach and learn from each other. We have a storage cage on campus where we host regular work parties. Each session has a lead mechanic who can help you get started working on a SPOKES bicycle. If you are interested in learning bike repair skills, we welcome you!

Volunteers of all experience levels are welcome. No tools or supplies required.

Contact spokes@uvic.ca for more information.

Program Sponsors

The program is run by volunteers with generous support in 2011 from campus partners:

• University of Victoria

• UVic Sustainability Project

• UVic Students Society