The charity Bike Station is crowdfunding to help it move to new premises after what it described as a “dramatic increase” in rent at its Causewayside location.
The Bike Station is known for its work in tackling inequality and empowering grassroots communities through programmes like the Wee Bike Library and Hero Bikes, but it now needs public support as they are faced with a 158% rent increase.
The organisation is appealing for donations as they look for a new place to work from with more than £3,000 of their £10,000 target raised so far.
Sasha Taylor, Chief Executive of The Bike Station, said: “Whilst we understand the need for commercial businesses to make a profit for their shareholders, the continued rise in rental costs at our Causewayside branch have made staying in our decade-long home unsustainable.
“Grassroots charities need security of premises to be able to enrich our communities.
“We have been embedded within the community for over 20 years and whilst it will be change for our customers and supporters we are excited at the prospect of a new venture and working with landlords who value our work beyond their own gain”.
Alastair Lees, Chair of the Board of Trustees at The Bike Station, said: “Over the 20 year history of The Bike station Edinburgh we’ve had several setback but each time we’ve come back stronger and renewed in our determination to keep Edinburgh cycling and health.”
Causewayside has been home to The Bike Station’s bike refurbishing workshop as well as grassroots community programmes for many years. A user of the Wee Bike Library, just one of The Bike Station’s trailblazing initiatives, said it had a profound impact on their lives. The user said: “We have triplets and so new bikes at Christmas would have been a huge financial burden on us had it not been for Wee Bike Library. This is a fantastic service and it should continue and grow!”
Another beneficiary of The Bike Station’s work, a participant of ‘Shifting Gears’ described the impact the charity has had on their mental wellbeing. They said: “I cycle everywhere now, this bike has given me a new lease of life. Whenever I feel low I go out on my bike, which always makes me feel better.”
The Bike Station is known for its work in promoting active travel, sustainability, generational change and making Scotland’s communities more connected. The charity is asking local supporters, cyclists, and anyone who believes in grassroots change to help them find a new home and keep that mission alive.
The crowdfunding campaign is available here, where donations can be made directly to support the cause.
