AMES this week launched an initiative that will see asylum seeker clients from the City of Melbourne get free bicycles as well as training in cycle maintenance and safety.

The Good Wheel Project provides bikes, helmets, locks and lights as well as lessons on servicing bicycles and how to ride safely on Melbourne roads.

A collaboration involving AMES, The Squeaky Wheel, Nutcase, Good Cycles and the City of Melbourne; the project will also teach clients how to plan a bike journey and help them discover lots of free places to visit in the city.

Two groups of clients will attend four sessions each through February and March and up to 30 clients will participate.

AMES Client Engagement Coordinator Diane Tabbagh said the launch of the project was a great success.

“This project is providing some asylum seeker clients with a useful and free mode of transport, ensured they are equipped for a safe journey and will provide them with information about free activities in their local area,” Diane said.

“The launch of the first group involved meeting at AMES Flagstaff from where we then took the group down to Docklands, where Squeaky Wheels took a session covering basic safety information,” she said.

“Good Cycles had reconditioned some bikes from City of Melbourne, and participants were fitted to the appropriate size bike. Nutcase provided helmets for each participant and they were fitted to ensure they provided maximum protection.

“There will be a further 3 sessions covering safety information, riding in Victoria, planning a ride, and a short ride taking in some free things to do in the City of Melbourne,” Diane said.

A second group begins on February 25.

For more information on this story, contact Diane Tabbagh on: (03) 9926 4746.