Connecting Canberra’s motorcycle owners, riders, restorers and enthusiasts

Canberra has a great motorcycle community. It connects, nurtures and brings joy to many people of all ages and walks of life – from Gungahlin, Woden and Tuggeranong, to Belconnen, Civic and Fyshwick, to the surrounding area of Queanbeyan, Bungendore and Sutton… and everywhere in between and beyond.

But being a motorcycle owner is not without its challenges. Not everyone has the space, tools or equipment to work on their bike… with many lacking the knowledge and experience needed to confidently undertake their own DIY bike maintenance.

It’s these obstacles that inspired Sonia van den Berg, founder of Riders Lane, to create the Canberra-based community DIY motorcycle workshop in the first place. Since then, Riders Lane has become a thriving community hub where motorcyclists can connect with other riders, learn new skills, work on bike projects together, share their knowledge, or simply plan their next ride with new friends over a coffee.

But Sonia would like to take Riders Lane even further by securing a five-year lease on 200+m2 of industrial premises in Mitchell in Canberra’s north. The chosen premises are the perfect location to create a home away from home for the Canberra region’s motorcycle riders, owners, restorers and enthusiasts.

How does Riders Lane work?

Riders Lane operates on a membership basis, with different package options for members to choose from.

Membership to Riders Lane offers you:

• An awesome community – meet, socialise and ride with other Canberran motorcycle enthusiasts.
• A motorcycle workshop – access to dedicated workshop area, complete with tools and equipment.
• Friendly volunteers – ask our volunteer members for a helping hand on your DIY motorcycle project.
• A safe, supportive space – collaborate with other members in the lounge, kitchen or co-working area.
• A variety of membership options – choose the package that best suits your needs and budget.
• Motorcycle maintenance courses – learn how to look after your motorbike.
• DIY motorcycle maintenance coaching – book a mentor session with an industry expert to work on your project.
• Events – attend sessions and social occasions with like-minded motorcycle riders.
• Motorcycle storage subscriptions – keep your bike at Riders Lane, with insurance included.
• Exclusive discounts – take advantage of special rates on parts, insurance, and products and services from Canberra-based small businesses.
• Volunteer opportunities – give your time to Riders Lane in return for workshop access.

Help us expand the Riders Lane community

Riders Lane is already a successful part of the Canberra motorcycling community, but up until now, we’ve been operating on a small scale in a temporary venue. We’re now looking to raise AU$25,000 to support the expansion of Riders Lane.

All funds raised on Pozible will go towards:

• Lease costs
• Building fit-out
• Workshop development
• Tools and equipment purchase

Will you help us bring Riders Lane to life by chipping in?

How you can support us

You can help take Riders Lane Canberra to the next level by investing in a Pozible reward shown on this page. Simply choose one of these packages to play an active role in the future of Riders Lane.

There’s no risk to you, as the reward will only happen if we hit our full financial target, so no funds will leave your account unless this occurs.

On top of this, you can support us by:

• telling people about our plans for Riders Lane
• sharing this page with your friends and family
• posting about our campaign on social media
• recommending potential new members to us
• introducing us to potential investors.

If you’d like to know more about Riders Lane Canberra, please contact Sonia at [email protected]

To learn more about Riders Lane membership, visit our website: www.riderslanecanberra.au

How the funds will be used

While $25,000 seems a large value, when it comes to securing a new lease and setting up an entirely new venue, it doesn’t stretch far. Funding will secure us a new home, go towards fitting out the space and improving the workshop facilities. We’re looking to sign a lease on a 240 sqm property in Mitchell with offstreet parking and high roller-door access. It's conveniently located within walking distance to the Spit Shack and a range of cafés and eateries. 

We’ll launch with an event space, retail area, shared workspace, member's lounge and three workshop bays. Plus, we're looking to invite some great co-inhabitants to call Riders Lane home with us.

The Challenges

Time is our biggest challenge. The opportunity to lease premises in Mitchell is available now. It wont last long. Industrial property of this size, suitability and location in Canberra is very hard to find. We need to act fast!  If we don't reach our funding target by the October deadline we will miss out.