Latest Laois News: Laois Green Party reps welcome Bike Upcycling Scheme

Bike Recycling Scheme Welcomed by Green Party Local Area Reps in Laois

A €3m, 3-year pilot scheme for upcycling old bicycles has been welcomed by Green Party Local Area Representatives, John Holland and Sean McManus.

Local Area Rep for Graiguecullen/Portarlington, John Holland, who has a keen interest in Cycling, welcomed the new initiative recognising it’s benefit for those most marginalised and disadvantaged:

“This pilot scheme is a real win-win for local communities, those less well off in our society and for the environment. Cycling is such a healthy, fun and sustainable mode of transport and this scheme to upcycle old bikes and e-bikes will not only help to up-skill those who have been struggling to get into the jobs market at this difficult time but will also allow those on lower incomes to access affordable, high quality bicycles and e-bikes.”

It is hoped that the initiative, which was launched yesterday by Green Party Ministers Joe O’Brien TD and Eamon Ryan TD, will take a significant step towards achieving the commitment in the Programme for Government to widen the scope of the Bike to Work Scheme. Recognising how cost can prevent people from accessing such schemes, Local Area Rep for Portlaoise, Sean McManus, welcomed the initiative stating:

“Cycling is a great way for people to get exercise and be mobile within their community and it is great to see an initiative which prevents which reduces the effect of cost as a barrier to active travel”.

Additionally, it is hoped that this initiative will help to recognise the importance of cycling as an essential form of transport for many during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Announcing the scheme, Minister O’Brien commented:

“This scheme will provide a vital transport option to those on limited incomes. Access to bikes and e-bikes can open up a whole range of new opportunities. People will be able to travel further for work, to socialise, to engage with services or simply to enjoy cycling as an activity. In addition, this scheme will also provide training and employment opportunities for those who may have had difficulty accessing the mainstream labour market.”

The creation of this scheme also acknowledges the environmental and practical potential of upcycling bicycles and e-bikes, Minister O’Brien added:

“An associated benefit of the scheme will be a reduction in the number of bikes going to landfill as a result of recycling and reusing bikes through the social enterprises engaged on the scheme.”

Applications are now being sought from eligible community service programmes and full details of the scheme and the necessary application form will be available at www.gov.ie/drcd