The Third Place

I've been thinking a lot about Oldenburg's Third Place in the last few years as I've been noticeably craving community more and more. There are tonnes of links just a web-search away that will describe it in more detail (and probably better) that I can and will, but in essence, a Third Place is a place that isn't your home, or your place work, where you can go to socialise and engage with community.

Two places that spring to mind that have been Third Places for people for decades (or centuries): places of worship, and pubs. While they're good, I don't think they're perfect. As an atheist, I don't really fit into a place of worship. And as a teetotaller for 4-5 years, while I do like hanging out at the pub, it doesn't have the same appeal as it used to - especially in today's economy, and with the more and more apparent links between alcohol and Many Bad Things.

The Good.

Adelaide Bike Kitchen is as close to a perfect Third Place you can get. A place to hang out, volunteer, socialise, learn how to fix your own bike, eat, and buy cheap secondhand components. A true community and all the benefits that come with that.

It ticks all the characteristics for a great Third Place:

• Open and inviting
• Comfortable and informal
• Convenient
• Unpretentious
• Full of regulars
• Good conversation
• Laugther

If you've not been, I recommend you go visit. Opening hours and address can be found on their website: https://www.adelaidebikekitchen.net/

The bad.

Unfortunately the ABK needs to move out of its current Bowden premises and is having a hard time finding a place. There is a petition to help bring the ABK and its societal value to the attention of Councils and the State Government. Please sign it, or the paper version that you'll find at the counter at the ABK.

The Helpful.

Sign the petition: https://www.change.org/p/save-adelaide-bike-kitchen

Share it around. We can't let the ABK disappear.