Getting started

We are kicking off!

Two weeks ago, we started talking about Rothar! to our friends, making lists of possibly interested groups, colleagues and so on. We collected bikes here and there from them, and had our first successes:

- three or four people need an affordable bike. We have our first customers!

- two groups in two different parts of the city are interested by our project and would need us as soon as next month to run workshops with kids. Nothing is official yet, but it is extremely promising!

- we met with a group in Cork which is functioning very well, and we decided to create a platform of bike recyclers. We know three for the moment, but we hope to federate more. The exchange of ideas and materials is the key for a good network!

- we got our first answers from potential volunteers, their skills will be extremely valuable!

Generally speaking, the idea is well received and we are hoping to get more people involved and to spread the idea of community and sustainable development.

What is it?

Rothar! – bikes for the communuty - is a community project that accepts donated bikes from the public. Our work aims the reduction of landfill, repair the bicycles and resell them. We would like to recycle the bicycles for use by priority groups (such as the long term unemployed, those who have been homeless and those with mental health problems) and be able to promote the use of bicycles and sustainable transport.

Some bikes will be donated to community groups, schools and individuals referred by agencies working with the disadvantaged and those at risk of social exclusion

Other bikes will be renovated and used to raise funds and help cover overheads and ensure the project’s sustainability.

Objectives / what we would like to do:

As a training centre:

• A centre where donated bikes can be renovated and put back into use for the community, particularly for priority groups.
• A centre where education and training in bike maintenance skills can be provided, possibly leading to qualifications
• A centre where self help use and community use are encouraged
• Establish partnerships with local community groups and initiatives such as youth clubs, schools and environmental groups.
• Establish a supply of high quality second hand bikes to the general public and community groups

As a bicycle promotion tool:.

• Promote cycling as a means to reduce social exclusion by improving the mobility of disadvantaged individuals
• Promote cycling as a means to improve health (mental and physical)
• Promote cycling as a cheap, often quicker and sustainable mode of transport, for all ages, from school (with the Green school project for ex) to retirement.

As a tool to promote a sustainable Dublin

• Create environmental benefits by recycling materials, saving the bikes from landfill
• Support Dublin’s recycling and waste management objectives
• Contribute to the eco friendly development of Dublin City