Introduction

In today's world, bicycles are increasingly seen as a symbol of an ecological lifestyle and a commitment to environmental protection. This is especially true in ecovillages, where residents live in close harmony with nature. Bicycles are an essential means of transportation for everyday activities such as going to school, shopping, and visiting friends.

The Need for Bicycle Workshops

With the influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs) due to the war in Ukraine, the demand for bicycles in ecovillages has grown significantly. To address this need, Ukrainian activists from the Global Ecovillages Network, in collaboration with international partners and friends, have been collecting and distributing bicycles to IDPs and host communities.

While the donation of bicycles has been a welcome relief, many of the bikes were in need of repair and maintenance. This is where the idea of bicycle workshops in ecovillages originated.

The Level UP Project

The Level UP project, implemented by the NGO "Global Network of Eco-villages of Ukraine" with the support of the Danish network of ecovillages "Landsforeningen for Økosamfund" and the Association of Civil Society Organizations "Civil Society in Development" (CISU - Civilsamfund i Udvikling), has made the establishment of bicycle workshops in eco-villages a reality.

Project Implementation

Four locations were selected for the establishment of bicycle workshops:

• Velesvit in Ternopil region
• Svitankove in Sumy region
• Salintsi in Vinnytsia region
• Misto Sontsya in Dnipropetrovsk region

These locations were chosen based on their logistical suitability for the project's implementation. Each workshop was equipped with the necessary tools and equipment.

Also we use an expertise of our technical advisors.

Project Participants

The project has involved a wide range of participants, including:

• Eco-village residents who have volunteered their time and skills to repair and maintain bicycles

• International partners who have provided financial and technical support

• Local authorities who have collaborated on the development of cycling infrastructure

Project Outcomes

The establishment of bicycle workshops in ecovillages has had a number of positive outcomes:

• Improved access to transportation for IDPs and host communities

• Creation of jobs and training opportunities in ecovillages

• Promotion of cycling as a sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of transportation

• Strengthening of community bonds and cooperation

Main Achievements

Workshops have played a vital role in supporting the community by:

• Repairing and Donating Bicycles: Over 150 bicycles have been repaired and donated to IDPs and residents within the eco-villages, improving access to transportation.

• Promoting E-Bikes and Battery Reuse: The workshops have a unique capability to convert traditional bicycles into electric bikes (e-bikes) and refurbish outdated or broken Lithium batteries. This extends the lifespan of these batteries and promotes sustainable practices. The workshops also manufacture high-quality, custom battery packs with capacities ranging from 10-20 Ah for e-bikes.

• BLDC Motor Rewinding: The project boasts a technical specialist skilled in rewinding BLDC motors, another example of resource reuse that reduces waste and promotes environmental sustainability.

• Expanding Applications with Removable Batteries: The project has developed a system where specially designed, removable bike batteries can be used with various household and gardening equipment. This allows residents to use the battery for powering their bike when needed, and then easily swap it to power tools when they're back home. The equipment utilizes standardized connectors for easy interchangeability. For tasks requiring more power, users can connect a pair of batteries in parallel or series, depending on the need. This system allows residents to power tools like circular saws for cutting firewood, rotary grasscutters for mowing lawns, and powerful cordless drills and saws.

These achievements showcase the significant impact of the Project in promoting sustainable transportation, resource reuse, and community development within eco-villages in Ukraine.

Conclusion

The bicycle workshops in ecovillages are a shining example of how communities can come together to address a common need in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. These workshops are not just about repairing bicycles; they are about building stronger communities and promoting a healthier planet.

Additional Notes

• A film about the bicycle movement in eco-villages of Ukraine has been produced by the NGO "Global Network of Ecovillages of Ukraine". 

• The bicycles workshops idea was also featured in article of the NGO's ‘Ridny’ journal.

Key Messages

• Bicycle workshops are playing an important role in supporting IDPs and host communities in ecovillages in Ukraine.

• The workshops are also promoting cycling as a sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

• The project is a model for community-based development and environmental sustainability.

Permanent Needs and Support Options:

Workshops are well equipped already with all necessary tools to cover maintenance and electric-bikes equipping needs. 

However there is a permanent need in spare parts and electric kits.

We are totally transparent, workshops performance is constantly highlighted at our media. 

Every support is reported (except if we were asked not to)

The Bicycles-Workshops in eco-villages project is a continuous initiative and welcomes additional support to ensure its sustainability and growth. 

Here are some ways you can contribute:

• Financial Donations: Donations of any size can help the project purchase tools, equipment, and bicycle parts.

• Targeted Donations: for exact purchases, activities, achievements

• Material Support: used bicycles, Lithium batteries with broken electric circuits.

• Volunteer Expertise: If you have experience in bicycle repair or mechanics, you can volunteer your skills at one of the workshops.

• Information Support: You like Bicycles-Workshops in eco-villages Project, please let Others know that we are existing and making good things. Help raise awareness about the project by sharing information on social media or speaking to local organizations.

Thanks!