Image: Chilliwack Restorative Justice / Jared (left) from Pleasant Home Construction works to finish the interior of the new Restorative Cycle bike shop at Main Street and Spadina Avenue in Chilliwack; on the right is Mark, who works as a bike mechanic at Restorative Cycle. The bike shop will hold a grand opening on Saturday, September 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 45835 Spadina Avenue inside of the church, which has generously donated space for the community-based bike program. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Restorative Cycle

Restorative Cycle, which offers repaired bikes at lower prices, to hold Chilliwack grand opening Saturday

Sep 8, 2023 | 10:06 AM

CHILLIWACK — Chilliwack Restorative Justice executive director Steve Roukema recognizes that the cost of a new bike can be problematic for many Chilliwack families, as well as those experiencing homelessness.

To that end, a new bike shop in downtown Chilliwack aims to provide lower-cost bicycles for families and individuals that could use them, while raising funds for the work that Chilliwack Restorative Justice does in Chilliwack schools and the broader community.

Restorative Cycle is set to open its doors with a grand opening celebration on Saturday, September 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 45835 Spadina Avenue, inside Cheam View United Church.

The store will offer a number of services to the community and augment the bike auctions that CRJ has been doing for over a decade through both in-person and online auctions.

“The cost of new bicycles is out of reach for many families as well and those experiencing homelessness in Chilliwack rely on their bicycles for a transportation,” Roukema said in a news release this past week. “The Restorative Cycle shop will enable Chilliwack Restorative Justice to grow the online bike auction to be transformed into an in-person shop that enables people of low income to purchase used bikes.”

Federal election

Update: 2 Chilliwack-Hope candidates confirmed, Liberal Party nominee acclaimed

6h ago

Agassiz prison

Correctional staff intercept massive haul of contraband on periphery of Agassiz prison

7h ago

Chilliwack Cultural Centre

Renowned Canadian astronaut, author and musician coming to Chilliwack this fall

7h ago

Previously, the Restorative Cycle program, under the auspices of CRJ, sold bikes through an online bike auction for over two years. The auction operated in person for over 10 years

Funds received from bike sales allow Chilliwack Restorative Justice to provide a bike maintenance service to the community and grow the online auction to receive, restore, and sell more bikes.

“Restorative Cycle will also become a community resource to those wanting to repair their bikes, and to offenders who are fulfilling their community hours as part of their resolution agreement,” Roukema said.

Cheam View United Church has generously opened its doors to a community program that creates opportunities to repair harm and prevent crime in Chilliwack and the Upper Fraser Valley region.

“The donated location space from Cheam View United Church provides us with almost 2,000 square feet to store, repair, and sell bikes,” Roukema said. “An average of 10 bikes are donated to Chilliwack Restorative Justice every month from the RCMP detachment. Other bikes are donated through the City of Chilliwack, residents, and local businesses. Proceeds go towards Restorative Cycle and restorative justice work in the community.”

Image: Chilliwack Restorative Justice / This bike is just one of many bikes for sale at Restorative Cycle, located at 45835 Spadina Avenue, in downtown Chilliwack. The bike shop will hold a grand opening on Saturday, September 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Chilliwack.

Restorative Cycle also plans to partner with the Chilliwack School District to provide bike mechanic classes for middle school students.

The goal, Roukema said, is “to create an environment for the students to repair and maintain a bike for school credit. Bikes repaired will also be donated to low-income families in need of bikes for their children. Due to increasing cost of living, community members will need to rely on affordable transportation.”

Roukema concedes that youth and adults alike could use some exposure to the ins and outs of regular bike maintenance.

“The bicycles require regular maintenance to ensure they are used longer and not abandoned in a field as observed by many community members,” Roukema said. “Many adults have not learned the value and environmental benefit of riding a bicycle. Minors have not been granted the benefit from their home life to learn how to effectively repair of maintain a bicycle. Restorative Cycle will enable lasting improvement in the quality of life for people in the City of Chilliwack experiencing economic, social, and environmental issues. The ability to purchase an affordable bike helps community members be transported to their destinations in an affordable manner.”

At Saturday’s grand opening, there will be a raffle, activities for the kids, and about 80 bikes available for sale ranging from $40 to $100. Or, bring a bike to donate.

Visit Chilliwack Restorative Justice on Facebook for more information on Saturday’s grand opening.