Together, over 1,300 bicycles are given a new lease of life
December in Maastricht was all about passing things on. The “Pass on your bicycle in December” campaign called on residents to donate their old, broken or unused bicycles. The results were clear to see: in the last quarter of 2025 alone, more than 1,300 bicycles were donated to Ambachtscentrum Fiets.
Approximately 250 bicycles were collected from the drop-off points in the city centre and in Maastricht-Oost. Enforcement efforts added another 1,000 bicycles, mainly abandoned bicycles from the streets. In addition, Maastricht residents themselves handed in around 65 bicycles at the official drop-off points. Together, this resulted in a significant clean-up of the city and a second life for hundreds of bicycles.
From the street to the workshop
A large proportion of the bicycles collected end up at the Ambachtscentrum Fiets Maastricht, where they are repaired, reused and resold on a daily basis. Every week, an average of 50 bicycles are delivered here via enforcement. Usable bicycles are refurbished and given a new owner via Kringloop Zuid or the social initiative Fietsbank. The Stichting Fietsbank Maastricht foundation is committed to helping children up to the age of 18. They give bicycles to children who live in Maastricht and are growing up in difficult circumstances.
Unusable bicycles are carefully dismantled for parts or reuse abroad. What is special is that this work is done by a diverse team of experienced bicycle repairers, volunteers, interns and people who are distanced from the labour market. In this way, each bicycle not only contributes to sustainable mobility, but also to social inclusion and craftsmanship.
Circular and social
Students also benefit from this approach. Every year, around 500 bicycles are collected via the Drop-Off points at faculty locations, which are then refurbished and made available again at an affordable price. Landlords and housing associations also informed their residents about the campaign, so that the appeal reached as wide an audience as possible. This ensures that bicycles continue to circulate within the city and prevents waste.
The December campaign shows that something small, such as handing in an unused bicycle, can have a big impact. Less clutter on the streets, more reuse and new opportunities for people in Maastricht.
You can buy a refurbished bicycle at Kringloop Zuid in Randwyck.
