Our first delivery of 50 bikes and cycling workshops resulted in a ripple of happiness around town.
“The kids are happier and that makes the adults happy too” – Benita, parent
The Bike Creative is just starting but hopes to create cycling opportunities for children aged 4-17 in rural and remote communities across Western Australia. We will provide bikes, practical cycling skills training, and sustainable community programs that help children develop independence, confidence, and lifelong healthy habits while strengthening community connections through the joy of cycling.
Our approach goes beyond simply giving bikes away. We will work with local people to develop sustainable cycling programs, training volunteers and positive role models who can continue supporting children long after our initial involvement. We see this as an ongoing process and we commit to revisiting places to help support their continued growth. With this community-centered model we hope to ensure that cycling becomes a lasting part of children’s lives.
“This is exactly what the kids need – something practical that makes them happy” – Jean, Paediatrician
Through cycling, children discover freedom to explore their neighborhoods and beyond, building confidence as they navigate new places and experiences. The social nature of cycling creates connections between peers while promoting physical activity that supports both mental and physical wellbeing. Research consistently shows that regular cycling contributes to healthier lifestyles and improved mental health outcomes for young people.
By combining practical skills training with community partnership, The Bike Creative Foundation aims to create lasting change that extends far beyond the initial gift of a bicycle, fostering independence, community connection, and lifelong healthy habits.
Istanbul to Singapore by Bicycle
Do you remember that first sense of freedom when you went cycling for the first time, taking the training wheels off and whizzing around your street, or flying down a hill with your friends? That’s the experience that a teacher from Perth would like every child to have and his ideas are starting to have a ripple effect.
Meet Chris, a design technology teacher with a passion for all things cycling. When he and his wife Anna cycled over 9,000km from Istanbul to Singapore in 2013 they were overwhelmed by the kindness of people in every country. One minute they would be cycling down a rough dirt road looking for somewhere to buy food, and the next somebody would walk out of their house with a fresh loaf of bread, which had taken them some time to prepare.
From Singapore they flew to Perth, assembled their bikes and cycled the last leg to surprise Anna’s Father on his birthday!
Kimberley Bike Club
Retraining as a teacher, Chris worked at a local Catholic school in Fremantle for four years before he and Anna took an opportunity to learn about Aboriginal culture by working at a remote East Kimberley school. It wasn’t long before the bikes came out and Chris’ class were testing out the new BMX track at Halls Creek. Riding the local streets he could see it in their eyes that riding a bike made the kids so happy. When Chris left the school in 2024, he promised the children he would return with bikes. In the July holidays this year (2025) Chris and fellow remote teacher Gabz turned up with 50 bikes, tools and spares. As they made their way to the recreation shed at 9am, youth leader Augustine told them not to expect many children because it was the first day of the holidays and it was very cold. When 30+ excited kids turned up for the first 25 bikes they were off to a
flying start. Children were shown how to build their bikes with a few basic tools before pedalling off to test them out. With squeals of excitement kids were heard shouting “my brakes work” as they whizzed around the basketball courts, around the streets and down hills.
The next day another 25+ kids turned up. They collected the bikes and got to work. This time even more willing helpers turned up. Later that day Chris was asked to join in a men’s group meeting. One of the fathers was brimming with happiness as he explained how his daughter came home with a bike and excitedly explained that yes it was really hers, she even put the pedals and wheels on. Another man said how happy he was to see happy kids cycling everywhere. Morning workshops continued and the feedback was delightful. When parents and carers said “the adults are happier because the kids are happier”, and “kids are going to bed earlier because they’re tired and they want to get up early and ride their bikes”, and “adults aren’t shouting at the kids” – wow! NAIDOC day came and Chris and Gabz joined in the celebrations at the basketball courts.
Seeing a need, Chris is working towards registering a charity to continue his mission to
deliver cycling opportunities to other places in WA. Starting in remote Kimberley schools in
2026 he hopes to deliver bikes and cycling workshops to over 200 students across 6 remote schools.