Empowering the bike riding kids of Maningrida

The social gathering restrictions of COVID-19 have limited the activities available to the children and youth of Maningrida in the Northern Territory.

Sporting events were cancelled and the school, youth centre and swimming pool were closed.

But when the COVID-19 stimulus payments came through, Maningrida experienced an upsurge in bike purchases.

And given that some of the youth wanted their old bikes repaired, the West Arnhem Regional Council’s (WARC) Youth, Sport and Recreation and Pool teams decided to deliver a bike repair program.

Local boys Delwyn and Sammy have taken advantage of the program.

‘I like knowing how to fix my bike. I can fix my chain, bearings, everything,’ Delwyn said.

The program is great for children of all ages, promotes physical activity outdoors and supports the children staying healthy and active while other activities are unable to take place.

‘I ride all over - shop, school, friend’s place,’ Sammy said.

Bike riding is very popular in Maningrida and the repair program has received a huge following in the community.

It began late March and over the past 2 months, 102 youth and children have attended the program workshops.

Loki Nicolson is the WARC Pool Team Leader.

‘The kids here are very inquisitive; they love to learn how things work and why,’ Loki said.

‘They own it and feel empowered and proud when they are able to learn something new and do it for themselves.’

The youth can wash their bikes and learn basic skills such as tyre pumping, fixing punctures, tightening and lubricating chains, adjusting handlebars and seats, fixing brakes and more.

‘Initially, we ran the bike repair program at the pool [Maningrida community swimming pool] but have since been taking it out on the road and setting up in a different location each time,’ Loki said.

‘The kids are thankful, good at helping and enjoy learning about the repairs and adjustments.’

WARC staff members Leroy and Adriel are also happy about the program.

‘Teaching the kids something new was very rewarding. So was getting out and about in community,’ Leroy said.

‘The best thing was seeing the smile on the kids’ faces when their bike was fixed,’ Adriel said.

‘When we fix bikes, it means the parents don’t need to spend money on a new one, they can spend their money on more important things like food, power etc.’

Workshops run Saturday mornings and Monday, Wednesday and Friday 3.00pm to 5.00pm.

There has been an average of 25 repairs in each workshop. Workstations have been set up to comply with jurisdictional social gathering requirements.