Architects lend a hand: the next phase for RAD Bikes
9/8/2022
HMOA's Nic Sewell and partner Jess Smale are champions of RAD Bikes. RAD – Recycle a Dunger – runs not-for-profit community bike workshops in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
It's well known that the HMOA team loves to cycle, and while the Wellington studio may be more inclined to the urban e-bike commute than the hardcore mountain-biking trails of the south, bicycles have long been a common theme.
HMOA donates annually to RAD and also likes to join in to lend a hand, especially if beer and pizza are involved.
RAD Bikes was initially set up by the post-earthquake community project, Gap Filler. A small, energetic group of people got together to reactivate the city; to make things happen for the people of Christchurch.
Nic and Jess got involved with RAD through Nic's brother who was part of Gap Filler. Read our previous blog on Nic.
Since beginning in 2013, RAD has:
- helped over 17,000 people
- recycled over 39,900 bikes and parts
- provided over 2,660 hours of education
- facilitated over 26,300 volunteer hours of community help
In 2020, RAD expanded its services and established a second indoor workshop at Space Academy. This was a step towards creating a permanent home for RAD and a greener future for Christchurch.
The new space hosts mechanics workshops and courses, as well as club nights and special events.
It also has pizza and beer. HMOA heard about this and jumped right in!
RAD Bikes' purpose is to empower people, repair resources and enable all to ride towards a better future.
RAD was recently honoured with a Kūmara Award in the ‘Facilitating Self-sufficiency’ category for its work providing social connection, skills and purpose in the service of addressing transport deprivation.
RAD even hosts a cinema. Here are Nic and Jess's sons, Max and Hunter, pedalling to power the Cycle Power Cinema at Space Academy.
Thanks for your support, HMOA. You're so RAD!
—Jess Smale, RAD Coordinator
