Bringing sustainable transport and skills to rural communities in The Gambia
At Re-Cycle (Bikes to Africa), our mission is to empower communities in Africa through access to bicycles. In partnership with WYCE (Wonder Years Centre of Excellence) in The Gambia, we provide bikes, parts, and tools to rural areas and offer essential mechanic training to ensure the long-term sustainability of bike maintenance.
Our collaboration has allowed us to make a significant difference in regions like Foni Sibanor village, where bicycles are a crucial means of transport.
The Free Bike Repair Caravan: August 2024
In August 2024, our partners WYCE Gambia and Tour De Gambia conducted a free bicycle repair caravan in the village of Foni Sibanor. This initiative came at a critical time as schools were about to reopen, and the community needed functioning bicycles, not only for the schoolchildren but also for other village members who rely on bikes for their daily lives.
After discussions with local leaders, including the Alkalo (village head) and the district councillor, the repair caravan was set in motion. On August 13th, our WYCE partners, along with the Tour De Gambia team, arrived in the village to find a large crowd waiting eagerly, with bicycles lined up for repairs.
The Repair Day
The team consisted of four Tour De Gambia members and twelve from WYCE, including five trained bike mechanics. At Re-Cycle, we understand the importance of training local mechanics, and our visits to The Gambia focus on equipping them with the skills to handle ongoing bike maintenance. While some local mechanics joined the effort, our trained mechanics from WYCE oversaw the repairs to ensure every bike met quality standards before being returned to its owner.
Throughout the day, the team worked tirelessly, repairing a total of 50 bicycles from the 175 registered. Although some bikes were beyond repair or required more extensive work, the community was incredibly grateful for the repairs done, particularly as this meant children could safely cycle to school.
Community Engagement
At the end of the day, WYCE donated spare parts such as tyres, cranks, brakes, and gears to the local community. These parts would allow the village mechanics to continue repairs beyond the event, ensuring that the project’s impact lasted well into the future.
This repair caravan was a clear example of how our partnership with WYCE makes a lasting difference. The turnout was exceptional, with many people eager to have their bicycles repaired. The success of the event was due to the organisation by WYCE and the support of local village leaders, who helped spread the word and facilitate the event.
Lessons Learned
One of the challenges faced during the repair caravan was managing the influx of bicycles, with many villagers eager to have their bikes repaired first. However, by implementing a structured system, WYCE were able to ensure that repairs were completed in an orderly fashion.
The importance of training local mechanics was also underscored during this exercise. While many villagers volunteered to help with repairs, some lacked the skills to provide the high-quality service we aim for. This reinforces the value of the mechanic training we offer as part of our partnership with WYCE, ensuring that communities are equipped to maintain their own bicycles long-term.
Conclusion
Re-Cycle’s contribution of bicycles, parts, and tools played a key role in the success of this project. Our long-term partnership with WYCE in The Gambia demonstrates the impact that bicycles can have in transforming lives by providing a sustainable means of transport.
We’re not only providing bicycles but also ensuring that communities have the tools and skills to maintain them. The result is an empowered community with greater access to education, work, and independence.
Read more about Re-Cycle’s partnership with WYCE, The Gambia here
