Delivering bicycles to people without resources so that they can travel to school or their workplace is their mission. But there is much more…
We are inaugurating this 'Bike Friendly Solidarity' category of articles by talking about some great friends, the guys from Bicycles Without Borders , a non-profit social project of the Utopia Foundation that, in collaboration with other entities, companies and organizations, contributes to improving the quality of life of people without resources through bicycles.
Bicycles Without Borders is dedicated to providing bicycles to people in need so they can travel to school or work. The bikes are first inspected, repaired, and assembled in their job placement workshops, which create employment opportunities for people at risk of social exclusion . The final recipients of these bicycles are carefully selected, as purchasing a bicycle is beyond their means, but it represents a gateway to a better life, for example, by facilitating their daily commutes. Therefore, for Bicycles Without Borders , the bicycle is an element of cohesion, integration, and solidarity. Each bicycle delivered is the result of the efforts of many people and organizations involved in this solidarity project, where the journey itself is what matters most. In this regard, the existing partnership with the Biciclot cooperative is noteworthy ; they are responsible for fine-tuning the bicycles before they are distributed.
Since Bicycles Without Borders (BSF) began its work in late 2012, 1.923 bicycles have been donated in countries such as Spain, India, and Senegal . These bicycles have improved access to education and employment for these individuals, as well as creating direct jobs in the organization's workshops. In Senegal, BSF's main project, Bicycles for Education in Palmarín, is underway. There, they work in partnership with the local community and the Lluís Llach Foundation to provide bicycles to high school students and create jobs for bicycle maintenance. Thanks to this work, more than 300 teenagers have already benefited from a bicycle, saving them from walking between 4 and 12 km each day. How can you collaborate with BSF? Many ways to get involved, from sponsoring a bicycle for 70 euros, to becoming a member for as little as 5 euros a month and receiving a sponsored bike, to donating one euro per registration for that cycling event you organize annually, and of course, donating the bicycles you no longer use. Bicycles Without Borders has several collection points (around 140…) throughout the country, including Bikefriendly Group and its headquarters in Jaca (Huesca). So, if you have bicycles you no longer use and want someone in need to have one, don't hesitate. All collected bicycles will be sent to Bicycles Without Borders where they will be inspected and refurbished, then given to children and adults in need so they can get to work or school.
More information about Bicycles Without Borders: www.bicicletassinfronteras.org
