The Risdon Vale Bike Collective has bought a new ute and a fleet of mountain bikes thanks to grants from the Tasmanian Community Fund (TCF) and the Stronger Communities grant program.

In partnership with the Risdon Vale Neighbourhood Centre, the Risdon Vale Bike Collective received a grant worth more than $28,000 from the TCF for a new ute that will be used in different areas for each program.

“The ute is really fit for the purpose of picking up bikes all over the place,” Risdon Vale Bike Collective program manager Anthony Edler said.

“It’s dual cab so we can transport participants around as well and it offers us a lot more flexibility and sustainability over the long term.”

The Stronger Communities grant was used to purchase five mountain bikes to use at camps and rides around Tasmania.

“The bikes will allow us to get riders to come into the program and get them out enjoying some of the more technical trails that are on offer all over the state,” Mr Edler said.

“It also allows those who haven’t before to get out and do some racing, as well as provide everyone the opportunity to participate as a hobby.

“We had nine participants who entered into the Kellevie Mountain Bike Park Six Hour event earlier in the year and they were able to use the new bikes.”

Mr Edler said the Risdon Vale Bike Collective was a program that was about the journey from being a teenager to becoming an adult.

“Our core message is creating a place and opportunity for developing skills and character,” he said.

“It operates like a sporting club in the way you can create social connections through restoring bikes in our workshop, getting out on the mountain bikes and meeting new people.

“There are also the work skills you get from customer service and working with others in a shared space.”

The TCF was established in 1999 following the sale of the Trust Bank. An independent funding body, the Fund provides grants to community organisations that make a difference by improving the social, environmental and economic wellbeing of the Tasmanian community.