Punjabi Community Health Services (PCHS) and BikeBrampton were pleased to host the grand opening of Different Spokes, Region of Peel’s first community-based bicycle co-operative and social services centre in downtown Brampton, at 8 Nelson St. W, August 18, 2022.
The Different Spokes venue will be shared jointly by BikeBrampton and PCHS. BikeBrampton will operate the facility 4 days a week, offering tools and workstations for members to perform their own bike repairs under direction of a bike mechanic. Free workshops on cycling skills and safety training will be offered. PCHS will provide health, settlement and social services, by appointment on a weekly basis.
“Community based bicycle co-operatives offer a venue for people to learn about bicycles and help build a community that promotes and supports sustainable transportation”, said David Laing, Chair of BikeBrampton and one of the organizers bringing Different Spokes to the City. “Encouraging more people to bike to destinations yields many community benefits including improved health, lower carbon emissions and less traffic congestion”, added Laing.
“Teaming with BikeBrampton in this facility is a natural fit” said Amanjit Kahlon, Manager, Community Development at PCHS. “Brampton’s downtown is an underserved community from a social services perspective and many people in the area use bikes, buses, and trains to travel to and from work or school. The bike is an essential form of transportation for them. Working with BikeBrampton, we can help clients keep their bikes in good condition and their, minds and bodies healthy,” added Kahlon.
BikeBrampton is a community volunteer group that encourages, promotes, and advocates for safe and convenient active transportation alternatives (primarily walking and cycling), in the City of Brampton and the Region of Peel.
PCHS is a charitable health service provider with a mandate to provide health, settlement, and social services to improve the quality of life of individuals, families and diverse communities using an anti-racism, anti-oppression framework. The organization has been serving the Peel Region community for 32 years.
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