Give a Bike organises first open bike works pop-up

Based in De Schiehavenhallen,Give a Bike' s mission is to let everyone experience the freedom and flexibility of cycling. They collect, recycle and transport bikes to support social projects around the world. On Saturday 17 January, the first open bike works pop-up will be organised at Schiehaven 17. Anyone with a broken bike can drop by between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to repair it themselves.

With support from the Give a Bike team, the bike will be refurbished in the open workshop. Tools and parts (used and new) are available.

The idea for an open, do-it-yourself bicycle workshop has been around at Give a Bike Foundation for a long time. They believe that access to tools, knowledge and a supportive environment is essential to keep bikes used for longer.

With the launch of the Schiehaven Citizens project, now is the right time to launch a pilot of Open Bike Works. This project shows how collective facilities and behavioural change can contribute to a lower carbon footprint and a more sustainable neighbourhood.

This pilot contributes to sustainable mobility by supporting local residents in repairing and maintaining their own bikes. By learning to tinker themselves, people increase their independence, knowledge and confidence.

Repairing instead of replacing extends the life of bicycles, reduces waste and lowers CO₂ emissions. At the same time, a social place is created during the pilot where local residents meet, share knowledge and work together.