Marrickville opens doors to bike library

By Laura Cathery

Residents of City of Sydney and Marrickville council will soon be able to hire specialist bikes designed to carry extra people and cargo.

The Watershed, located in Newtown will house these unusual bikes, which will also serve to create bicycle awareness and compliment the City of Sydney’s investment in bicycle infrastructure.

Marrickville Mayor, Sam Iskander says the bikes, which include two trailers and two cargo bikes, can be used to cart around many items including children, groceries, and hardware.

“The Watershed Bike Library is an innovative concept which encourages the local community to forgo the car and borrow a specialised cargo bicycle or trailer for up to three days instead,” he said.

Glebe resident, Juliana Ludowyke, 54, thinks it’s a great idea but doesn’t see people ditching the car, especially to move heavy things such as plants.

“I can’t imagine seeing a bicycle with children sitting in a trailer being carted around town. Its not the safest means of transport,” she said.

Residents and businesses can join the bike library for a one-off fee of ten dollars, which allows them to use the bikes for up to three hours for free.

“The Watershed Bike Library is a fantastic way to minimise car usage and promote sustainable transport throughout Sydney,” Cr Iskandar said.