Re-cycling: abandoned bikes get a second life with students

Bicycles left behind by former student residents at the University of the Fraser Valley are finding new homes, providing other students with an affordable way to get around while keeping usable bikes out of the landfill. 

Through an initiative led by UFV’s Office of Sustainability, abandoned bicycles from student housing were tuned up and offered free of charge to students facing barriers to bike ownership. 

The program grew out of conversations about what to do with bicycles left unclaimed by former tenants. An earlier attempt to incorporate them into a bike-share program had limited uptake, leaving an opportunity to put the bikes to better use. 

With funding from the GoByBike BC Society and the Province of BC, UFV’s Office of Sustainability arranged for the bicycles to be repaired and prepared for new owners. Community member Robert Paddon, who is involved with the local chapter of HUB Cycling (a B.C. organization whose mission is to encourage cycling), helped tune up the bikes. He also shared his enthusiasm for cycling by connecting UFV with cycling resources, exploring opportunities to source more bicycles, and leading cyclists on UFV’s Bike to Banter event. 

Alicia Nightingale, energy and climate coordinator with UFV’s Office of Sustainability, saw an opportunity to connect students with affordable transportation while giving abandoned bikes a new purpose. The first round attracted 36 student applications, with 12 bikes ready to distribute. 

For students, the opportunity means more than a free bicycle. Applicants described moving to Canada without their bikes, outgrowing childhood bicycles, having bikes stolen or broken, and struggling to afford replacements while paying for university. 

“I used to bike before when I was in my home country. Coming here already came with a lot of expenses, and I could not buy one here,” one student wrote in their application. 

Another student described cycling as a way to take a break from the pressures of school. 

“I love biking. Whenever I needed a breath of fresh air, I would turn to my bike to get things off my chest,” the student wrote.  “But my bike unfortunately broke down a couple of years ago and as a university student, my primary focus is saving for my tuition and school fees, making a quality replacement difficult. Since I live close to campus, this new bike will offer me an excellent transportation option to get to classes and decompress!” 

At the bike distribution day on October 22nd, students lined up early, carefully chose their bicycles and made use of complimentary bike fitting and locks. There was a buzz of excitement as students prepared to put their new rides to use. Their excitement reflected what the program could offer: greater independence, another way to get to class, and an opportunity to explore their communities. 

UFV’s Office of Sustainability is looking into additional sources, including discussions with the Abbotsford Police Department and external cycling organizations about recovered bicycles that remain unclaimed. With more students interested than bikes currently available, additional donations could help expand the program. 

By giving abandoned bicycles a second life, the initiative supports both waste reduction and active transportation. It also highlights an opportunity to make cycling more accessible at UFV and encourage a stronger campus biking community. 

If you are interested in donating a bike to a student in need, please contact Alicia Nightingale, energy and climate coordinator with UFV’s Office of Sustainability at alicia.nightingale@ufv.ca.