Programs
Wondering what happened to the AMS Bike Co-op? Don’t worry, we still exist! We’re the Programs Office for the Bike Kitchen.
Check out what’s cool stuff is happening on this page! (or browse the archives)
Calendar
Access Nights
During Access Nights there will be 4 repair stands open with one participant assigned to each stand, and we can accommodate 4 other folks in the space to be pumping up tires/oiling chains or browsing new/used parts. This will allow for social distancing and a reasonable staff-to-participant ratio. Participants will be asked to limit repair stand time to approximately 60 minutes so as to share the space with other visitors. Repair stands will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Individuals waiting for a turn will be asked to wait in the hallway to minimize shop crowding.
Please help protect your community by staying home if you have any symptoms indicative of COVID-19, or you have had COVID in the last 2 weeks. We provide masks free of charge to anyone who wants one.
Tool rental rate will be $0/hr rather than the usual $12/hr
Accessibility Information
Access Nights will be sensory-friendly. Shop lights will be dimmed and music will be kept at a low volume or turned off completely. Participants are also welcome to make requests for other specific accommodations in the space and staff will do their best to meet them.
The closest accessible entrance to the Bike Kitchen for users of mobility aids is on the north side of the UBC Student Life building, across from the North Parkade. Signs will be posted on Access Nights to direct visitors to the shop space. Full details on accessibility can be found here.
Gender liberation Night
when
alternating Wednesdays *check programs calendar
6:15 pm - 9:00 pm
where
The Bike Kitchen
Room #36 @ UBC Life Building
6138 Student Union Blvd.
Vancouver, BC
Gender Liberation Night is a monthly Access Night for cis-women and trans and/or non-binary people of all genders to use the Bike Kitchen’s shop space and tools, supported by informal mentoring.
The purpose of the night is to offer a more welcoming, safer atmosphere in which people who are typically marginalized within the cycling community because of their gender identity and/or expression can work on their bikes, learn mechanics, and form connections. A staff mechanic and volunteer aligned with the night’s target demographic will be available to empower participants in performing their own repairs.
when
alternating Wednesdays *check programs calendar
6:15 pm - 9:00 pm
where
The Bike Kitchen
Room #36 @ UBC Life Building
6138 Student Union Blvd.
Vancouver, BC
Pride Night
This event provides a positive space for anyone in LGBTQ2S+ community to use our shop resources for free in a relaxed environment facilitated by queer mechanics and volunteers.
Bring your own bike, come with questions and ask away, play games or just come hang out with other community members. Beginners are always welcome!
Gender and sexuality will not be policed at this event. We ask those who do not identify as part of the LGBTQ2I+ community to check out our other events.
Community outreach
Kids Bike Library
The Kids Bike Library (KBL) is similar to a regular library, but with bikes! During the summer kids and youth can come trade a bike they have outgrown for one their size (includes bikes with 20” wheels or smaller). Unlike a regular library, you can keep the bike for as long as you need it without having to worry about renewing. With the support from UBC Campus & Community Planning, KBL will be starting up again in May 2024, subscribe to our newsletter to hear the latest updates.
Don’t have a bike? No problem! We provide bikes to children and youth by-donation, even if you don’t have one to swap. We also offer by-donation tune-ups for kids bikes at our weekly booths, check the calendar for dates starting in May.
Applications for KBL are now closed, we’ll be back and running next year! Subscribe to our newsletter to hear the latest updates on this program for Summer 2024!
Get Involved
We’re always looking for bike donations and volunteers to help us build bikes and provide tune-ups. If you’re interested in supporting the Kids Bike Library or have questions about the program, please contact programs@thebikekitchen.ca
when
May to August, subscribe to newsletter for updates
where
UBC Life Building
6138 Student Union Blvd.
Vancouver, BC
Contact
programs@thebikekitchen.ca
604-822-2453
BICI LIBRE
The Bici Libre initiative recycles bikes and rebuilds them for the use of migrant farm workers across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. Farm workers that come from other countries via the Temporary Foreign Workers Program often live at the farms on which they work, far from town centres and with limited access to basic necessities.
Their time off is limited and with mobility restrictions, workers often face difficulties accessing services like banking, medical care and groceries. Our goal is to support workers during their stay and to ensure transportation is not a limitation in their life in Canada. A dedicated team of volunteers helps us provide free bicycles, locks, lights, helmets and bike repair services.
Get Involved
Subscribe to our newsletter to get updates about how you can be involved.
Donate directly to the Bici Libre project fund and help us supply bikes, lights, locks and helmets to migrant farm workers.
When
Volunteer Nights and ad-hoc
WHERE
Bike Kitchen
6138 Student Union Blvd.
UBC, Vancouver
Cycling Resources Centres
Our Cycling Resource Centres (CRCs) are a one stop shop for all things relating to bicycles. We go outdoors to places where cyclists and would-be cyclists already congregate and provide a one-stop-shop to answer any bike related questions they may have.
We provide:
Basic adjustments/tune-ups by donation
Tutorials on bike mechanics
Cycling route maps
Interactive educational resources
Resources from local cycling + advocacy organizations
Information about upcoming events
Through the support of UTown@UBC, we offer free CRCs on campus from spring until fall every year. Drop by and get a basic bike tune-up and other cycling resources likes maps and guides.
Book Us
We can bring our CRCs to you! Book us for a CRC at your event, festival, party, workplace or school.
WHen
They are scheduled regularly!
Check out our events calendar
volunteer night
Registration no longer required!
Volunteer Night takes place every Tuesday evening. During this time, beginners can join our staff and board to learn about bike mechanics in a safe and welcoming environment, absolutely no experience is needed. The bikes we work on during Volunteer Night either get recycled, or re-used through one of our other programs, such as the Kids Bike Library, Bici Libre, or Bikes for BIPOC.
Pizza is not provided.
when
Tuesdays, 6.15-9.00pm
where
UBC Life Building
6138 Student Union Blvd.
Vancouver, BC
Workshops
Subscribe to our newsletter to get updates about when registration opens for our various workshops.
Intro to Bike Mechanics
check the programs calendar for dates and registration!
During four interactive sessions, you’ll learn about bike tools, parts and the inner workings of our two-wheeled friends. Workshops run for four weeks on a set days.
Knowledgeable mechanics will guide you through the basics of repairing and maintaining each system on the bicycle. Demonstrations are provided in a friendly and supportive environment with small class sizes.
Everyone is welcome! No bike or previous experience is required! If you do own a bike, the skills you learn in this class on our demo bikes will be transferable to your own bike. We feel confident that you will feel confident to repair your bike in our shop after you take this class!
Please note we do NOT cover hydraulic braking systems, shocks, tubeless tire set-ups, etc. If you have questions about the curriculum please email us at admin@thebikekitchen.ca
when
changes monthly, check calendar for details
price
4 Workshops
UBC Students $100
Non-UBC Students $150
Bike Basics
WORKSHOPS OPEN: check the programs calendar for dates and registration!
Bike Basics is our most beginner level workshop. This is a great workshop to begin to learn how to maintain your bicycle and get to know the Bike Kitchen and the services we provide. Using demo bicycles, we will be covering a range of topics to assist you in preventative maintenance of your bicycle - knowing the basics will help you save costs in the long-run and have a more enjoyable and smooth ride.
How much air should I put in my tires? Why is my chain squeaky and what can I do about it? What is this knocking sound coming from my pedals?
If these are some questions you’re asking yourself, then Bike Basics is a great first step into the wonderful world of bicycle maintenance!
WHEN
changes monthly
Price
2hr workshop
UBC Students $25
non-UBC Students $40
Book us
You can book the Bike Kitchen to present a customized workshop for your organization, club, staff, or any group that wants to learn more about bikes and cycling! Please note that anything with 6 participants or more will have limited-to-no hands-on components.
To request a workshop, please contact admin@thebikekitchen.ca to start the conversation.
bikes for bipoc
This is a bike redistribution program for UBC students who are Black and/or Indigenous and/or People Of Colour to promote access to bikes as a mode of autonomy, safe and reliable transportation, health and joy. The aim of this program is to support BIPOC students and address inequalities of material wealth and access to transportation. We approach bike distribution with a Racial Justice lens and seek to provide accessible transportation to folks who are typically not prioritized in the bike industry.