CRABE

Committed to Helping Students Bike to School

You only need to visit some of the world’s major cities to realize just how many cyclists flood onto the main roads when rush hour hits. Montréal is no exception to this environmental trend but small gestures could undoubtedly help accelerate the phenomenon. It was for this reason that the sustainable development committee at the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) decided to take the bull by the horns - or rather the bike by the handlebars – and do its share to promote eco-friendly transportation in Montréal.

“A significant portion of the ÉTS community already bike to school. People are prompted to use this mode of transport for both its health and environmental benefits. However, for a large percentage of cyclists, the mechanical aspects of the bicycle remain incomprehensible,” explains Myrielle Robitaille, a member of the ÉTS sustainable development committee.

In setting up the Centre de réparation et d’ajustement de bicyclettes de l’ÉTS (CRABE), a bike repair and adjustment centre, the committee wanted to help remedy the situation. For an annual fee of $20, students and staff now have access to a workshop where they can share the tools, equipment and know-how needed to keep their bikes in good working order.

The concept is simple. All you have to do is take your bike to CRABE and do the repair work yourself. Most of the time, a volunteer technician is on hand to help beginners. Users who require additional information also have access to a computer and service manuals.

Moreover, since CRABE opened in April 2007, the shop has become more than just a repair centre. “The workshop is also a place to discuss, learn and raise awareness about alternative means of transportation and the environment. Be it through workshops, lectures, information sessions or discussions, CRABE favours dialogue between the various groups at the École and is a wellspring of new ideas for promoting sustainable transportation,” Myrielle points out. Indeed several initiatives have been set in motion. Among other things, the students behind CRABE asked Vélo Québec for their support in drawing up a list of places to park bikes in the vicinity of the ÉTS, which led to the creation of additional areas near the school’s main entrances. Others organized a public awareness activity during In Town, Without my Car! day.

Moreover, the students also started salvaging used bikes that they then repaired and put as the disposal of members who can use them to run a few errands or just take a relaxing ride. It is also possible to borrow bike accessories, such as a trailer for example.

“The creation of the repair centre, which promotes eco-friendly transportation, bears witness to the concerns of the ÉTS and its students in regard to the environment. The members of the centre invest a lot of time and energy in repairing bicycles, and in learning about and teaching bike mechanics to students and employees at the ÉTS. Thanks to the volunteer mechanics at CRABE, the number of bicycles in good working order on the streets of Montréal has increased. Hats off to CRABE!” adds Caroline Saint-Laurent, co-owner of the Belleville Cycle Coop that collaborates with CRABE.

CRABE