Over 5,000 bikes have been collected, repaired and shipped to countries such as The Gambia where school students use the bikes to enable them to access education. They often travel distances greater than 10 kilometres to get to school. “Rotary Ireland is delighted to see the launch of the 18th collection centre for School Bikes Africa, and to welcome Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to the team. Together we can both improve the environment and enrich lives.” David Murray District Governor of Rotary.
An Cathaoirleach Cllr. Lettie McCarthy launching the project said;
"Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council are delighted to be part of the School Bikes for Africa Scheme. This initiative not only demonstrates how we can encourage, reuse and repair to support the circular economy but ensures unwanted bikes are put to a worthy cause by providing children in Africa a better chance of accessing education. I would encourage everyone to consider donating any unwanted bikes to this worthy cause."
Jason Dempsey of Rotary Ireland summed it up in saying;
“The School Bikes Africa Initiative is a Win, Win, Win; a Win for climate change given the benefits of repair and reuse as well as promoting sustainable transport. A Win for prison inmates providing opportunities for training and rehabilitation and a Win for School Students in Africa in providing a better chance for availing of education”.
