Bicycle collection campaign gives dozens of bikes a new lease of life
On the eve of the summer holidays, the student societies KoKo and Saurus, together with #posifiets, organised a bike collection campaign on the KoKo site in Maastricht. In a relaxed atmosphere, local residents and students were able to hand in their unused bikes, giving them a new lease of life.
Making room for summer
At the end of the academic year, many students leave Maastricht. Not everyone takes their bike with them. As a result, unused bikes are left behind in the city. These take up space in cycle sheds and on the streets.
There was a lively atmosphere on the premises. Students were coming and going to finalise their last student society matters before the summer holidays began. Amidst all the hustle and bustle, a few abandoned bikes were also discovered on the KoKo premises and immediately labelled, so that these too could be dealt with properly.
Saurus provided extra entertainment with an air hockey table, whilst Active02 handed out refreshing drinks to visitors. This made the campaign not only practical but also a great opportunity to chat with one another about responsible cycling and the importance of keeping public spaces tidy.
On the way to a second life
A total of 33 bicycles were handed in, including three folding bikes and three e-bikes. The bicycles will be refurbished or reused via the Fietsbank and the Ambachtscentrum Fiets, so that they can once again be of use to people who really need a bike.
It was striking that so many Maastricht residents found their way to the campaign. Students also handed in bikes before leaving the city for the summer. This shows that an accessible and tidy city is a shared responsibility. It is precisely the collaboration between student societies, community partners and the council that makes such initiatives possible.
#posifiets looks back with pleasure on a successful afternoon. Every bike handed in means fewer abandoned bikes in public spaces and more bikes being given a sustainable new purpose. A great result, thanks to everyone who helped out or handed in a bike.
