Free Ride is a volunteer-run charity bike workshop and membership programme in Lower Hutt, set up to remove the barriers that keep people from cycling. It gives away bikes, runs free and subsidised bike services, paid services, mechanic workshops and group rides, and it hands out free safety gear. The main workshop is in Naenae Park, off Gibson Crescent, and there is also a container at Daly Street Social.
Free Ride also runs an e-bike library and group rides, including an easy 10 kilometre beginners' ride to Taita Rock and Motutawa. As at 2026, a pre-booked bike service costs $65, and a team e-bike ride costs $400 for two hours, with two instructors, a cuppa and up to 11 e-bikes. We hear the Naenae workshop is closed for the long weekend on 24 October, so check before you go. The Labour Weekend community bike day on 26 October offers free bike servicing and a mechanic workshop on the trail.