Alan’s Mission to Rescue Bikes and Spread Joy
In the quiet suburb of Manly Vale, NSW, one man is proving that small actions can have a big impact.
Alan Ventress, a 75-year-old retiree, has become something of a local hero, dedicating his time and energy to rescuing abandoned bicycles and giving them new life. His remarkable journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that offered him the time to reflect on waste, community, and how he could make a difference.
Almost pristine bikes are a common sight on a council clean-up piles on the Northern Beaches
(Image: Alan Ventress)
The Wake-Up Call: A Throwaway Society
It all started when Alan noticed an increasing number of bicycles left out for council cleanups, often in good condition or requiring only minor repairs. Disheartened by the wasteful habits of what he calls a ‘throwaway society’, Alan felt compelled to act.
The number of bikes being dumped seemed to multiply in the streets around Alan’s house (Image: Alan Ventress)
Armed with his trusty yellow Kombi van, Alan began collecting discarded bicycles from kerbsides, cleanups, and local streets. His mission was simple yet profound: to rescue these bikes from landfills and place them back in the hands of people who needed them.
"Many of these bikes were being thrown away for no good reason," Alan explains. "A flat tire, a missing chain—these are things that can easily be fixed. I just couldn’t stand by and let them go to waste."
Bikes in Alan’s yellow Kombi during a collection (Image: Alan Ventress)
From Scrap to Smiles: The Repair Process
Alan’s garage has since been transformed into a makeshift bicycle workshop. Tools, spare parts, and half-assembled bikes fill the space, a testament to his dedication.
Over the last few years, Alan estimates that he has repaired around 550 bicycles.
For many of these bikes, the fixes are straightforward—patching punctured tires, replacing brake cables, or replacing wheels. Alan’s keen eye and mechanical skills allow him to bring these bikes back to life quickly and efficiently.
Just a handful of the 550 bikes! (Images: Alan Ventress)
But his work isn’t just about the repairs. Alan is driven by the desire to help others, and his efforts have reached communities far and wide.
Giving Back: A Gift That Keeps Giving
Once repaired, Alan donates the bicycles to those who need them most. Through a collaboration with a local council initiative, some of these bikes have been delivered to Indigenous families in Walgett, an area where transportation options are limited. Additionally, Alan has provided bicycles to children’s homes and families in need.
One particularly heartwarming story involves a Chilean student who had just arrived in Australia and found herself in need of affordable transportation. Alan gifted her a bike, which the student used to navigate her new life in a foreign country.
In another instance, a single mother expressed her gratitude after receiving a bike for her son, which became a source of joy and independence for the young boy.
For those closer to home, Alan occasionally leaves repaired bikes on the side of the road with a simple "Free" sign, inviting passersby to take one if they need it. He believes that even if these bikes are resold, they’re still being kept out of landfills and given another chance to be used.
A Sustainable Vision: Fighting Landfill Waste
Alan’s work underscores the environmental benefits of reducing waste. In Australia, an estimated 300,000 bicycles end up in landfills each year—a staggering figure that highlights the need for more sustainable practices. By rescuing and repairing these bikes, Alan is not only reducing waste but also raising awareness about the environmental cost of a throwaway culture.
"What’s the harm if a bike gets another one or even five years of use? It’s one less thing filling up our landfills and one more person with the joy of riding," says Alan.
His efforts align with broader environmental goals, emphasising the importance of reuse and recycling in combating climate change. Every bike he repairs contributes to a more sustainable future, inspiring others to think about how they can make a difference.
Facing Challenges with Determination
Of course, Alan’s mission hasn’t been without its challenges. Some critics have questioned whether the bikes he leaves out might be resold for profit, undermining his altruistic intentions. However, Alan remains unfazed. His primary focus is on the positive impact he’s making, both for the environment and for individuals in need.
And many people are very appreciative of Alan’s work (Image: Alan Ventress)
"There’s always going to be someone who has something negative to say," he reflects. "But at the end of the day, if the bikes are being used and not tossed into a landfill, that’s a win in my book."
Additionally, sourcing spare parts can sometimes be challenging and buying minor items leaves Alan out of pocket. “The going rate for repairing a local bike is a can of WD-40,” he says. “Primarily because I use so much of it!”
Despite these obstacles, his passion for helping others keeps him going.
A Legacy of Kindness and Community
Alan’s story is more than just a tale of bicycle repairs. It’s a testament to the power of community and the impact of one person’s actions. His yellow Kombi van has become a symbol of hope and generosity, a reminder that even small efforts can create meaningful change.
For Alan, the rewards of his work are immeasurable. He takes pride in knowing that each bike he repairs brings joy, independence, and mobility to someone’s life. Whether it’s a child learning to ride for the first time or an adult finding a sustainable way to commute, these bikes are more than just modes of transportation—they’re opportunities for a better life.
A happy punter collects a refurbished bike (Image: Alan Ventress)
The Road Ahead: Inspiring Others
As Alan looks to the future, he hopes his story will inspire others to think about how they can contribute to their communities. Whether it’s rescuing bikes, volunteering, or simply being more mindful of waste, Alan believes everyone has the power to make a difference.
"If I can repair 550 bikes in a few years, imagine what we could do if more people got involved," he says with a smile.
Alan Ventress’ journey serves as a powerful example of how kindness, resourcefulness, and determination can create ripples of positive change. In a world where it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by global challenges, Alan reminds us that solutions often start close to home - sometimes in a yellow Kombi van and a heart full of purpose.
Looking to donate bicycles in Sydney? Bicycle NSW supports recycling initiatives like the Western Sydney Cycling Network and Cycle Re-cycle Club to give bikes a second life.
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More photos from Alan’s amazing gallery of bikes he has rescued since 2020
