A new community event in Carman is aiming to help residents stay active, safe and connected — one bicycle at a time.
Carman Wellness Connections (CWC) is hosting a free bike tune-up clinic on Thursday, May 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Carman Community Hall. The event will teach participants basic bicycle maintenance skills to help keep their bikes in good working condition and encourage safe riding throughout the community.
Holly Thorne-Wiebe of CWC communications said the idea for the clinic has been discussed for several years by the organization’s Supporting Emotional Health working group.
“CWC is always interested in reaching all demographics in our community,” Thorne-Wiebe said. “With the increasing number of people biking in the area, it seemed like a good time to promote some basic maintenance skills and hopefully also promote safe ridership skills.”
She added that rising gas prices may also have influenced the decision to host the event.
During the three-hour clinic, Peter Loewen of Country Cycle will guide volunteer helpers through common bike maintenance tasks, including adjusting cables and brakes, lubrication and gear work. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bicycles to the session.
“This first event is a short three hours,” Thorne-Wiebe said. “Our facilitator, Peter Loewen from Country Cycle, will show the volunteer helpers how to do cables, brakes, lubrication and gears on the bikes that people bring.”
The clinic is being held in partnership with the Carman Dufferin Recreation Commission, which is providing the venue and handling registrations. While the event is free, organizers are encouraging residents to register in advance so volunteers can prepare for the expected number of participants.
Thorne-Wiebe said the event aligns closely with CWC’s broader mission of building community connections and promoting physical and emotional well-being.
“CWC tries to encourage community members to gather by holding events that are fun and engaging,” she said. “Connecting with people and being active are great ways to stay fit physically and emotionally.”
The organization hopes the clinic will become an ongoing community initiative, with support from CWC’s Transportation, Affordable Recreation and Leisure, and Supporting Emotional Health working groups.
