History of the Tasmanian Bike Collective

Since its inception more than 15 years ago, TasBC has empowered young people who could do with some extra support.

This has been done with the help of volunteer mentors and healthy role models in the community.

We trialled a range of activities, but it was the medium of working on and riding bikes that proved to be the most impactful way to steer young people in a positive direction.

We are proud of the journey we have been on, and have continued to be guided by community needs. Here is a brief history of how TasBC has innovated and grown over the years:

2003-05:

Our founding years, used to explore and trial the best activities to connect with and mentor young people

2005-08:

The Community Bikes Program began, and we mentored disengaged students at Geilston Bay High

2009-11:

The Big Bike Giveaway years, 400 bikes were restored and given away locally

2012-13:  

During this time we sent 440 bikes and parts to Namibia through our Bikes to Africa program

2014:

Risdon Vale Bike Collective was established with a new workshop and a fresh place-based approach

2015:

The Risdon Vale Trails and Bike Park were funded and built

2016:

This was a year of 2 extremes. We received awards, but had no program funding

2017-19:

During this time, we focused on strengthening and refining our program to make sure it was an engaging, efficient and effective model for the future

2020:

We established the Tasmanian Bike Collective so we could grow from Risdon Vale, and expand into a broader community network

2021:

We launched the Huon Valley Bike Collective as a pilot 1 day per week

2022:

The Huon Valley Bike Collective increased to 2 days per week.

The Clarence Plains Bike Collective launched in May.

2023:

The Clarence Plains Bike Collective increased to 2 days per week.

The Huon Valley Bike Collective increased to 3 days per week.

Our Awards

2013 - The Community Bikes Program won the Clarence City Council 2013 Community Event of the Year.

2016 – Our founder and now director, Anthony received the Clarence City Council Citizen of the Year Award for his extensive work and tireless commitment to the community.

2017 – Anthony gained nationwide recognition for his work receiving the Tasmanian Local Hero Award as part of the Australian of the Year Awards.

2019 – The Bike Collective received the Tasmanian Community Achievement Award for promoting physical activity.

Give to the Tasmanian Bike Collective

All financial donations support our programs, helping at-risk young people achieve their potential. We are incredibly thankful for any contribution you can make.

How to give →Give now →

“I feel safe at the RVBC. If I am getting bullied I like to come here.”

“I am now physically healthier and also more comfortable around all sorts of people.”

“At the workshop I'm calmer. Chance to relax after school.”

“The “Sessions” (rewards) have helped me with saving skills.”

"I can come here and get session and parts and stuff without it costing money. Wouldn’t normally been able to ride my bike for a while."

Volunteer… “During my time I saw firsthand the importance of positive older role models and the effects this has on the lives of young people.”

"[I feel] a lot safer at bikes than school and cause I know everyone we get along better"

"I learnt about resilience when it comes to dealing with people who might come and mouth off or have a bad attitude."

"I want to work on bikes as a job and I now know some of those skills."

"My son didn’t really know anyone in his local community, but now has made lots of new friends, has a hobby which gets him off the playstation and out exercising."

"I fit in more here, with the hands on type stuff and has helped me connect with others who are the same."