The ex-banker who repairs bikes for free
The ex-banker who repairs bikes for free
After a career in banking, Mr Philip Mehl swapped boardrooms for a Balestier workshop, repairing around 25 bicycles a day — all at no charge.
His customers include migrant workers, elderly cyclists and teenagers, many of whom choose to donate so someone else can benefit from a free repair.
Mr Mehl says cycling helped him through childhood loss and eventually inspired a second career centred on purpose rather than profit.
Since opening Free Bicycle Repairs, he has given more than 700 donated bicycles a second life, passing them on to charities supporting migrant workers and families in need.
Community donations keep the workshop running. From a migrant worker paying an extra dollar to strangers contributing hundreds, every cent goes back into helping others.
