Communities in Kilkenny respond with generosity to call for upcycling of bikes

Communities across Kilkenny have responded in great numbers to a call out for bikes for upcycling in Kilkenny.  Families, workplaces and individuals have pulled out disused and outgrown bikes and donated them for repair.  

There was a magnificent effort by Kilkenny Men’s Shed, The Bicycle Engineering Academy and cycling enthusiasts from Marble City Cyclers to get bikes back in working order and ready for the road.  In 2022, over 100 bikes were distributed to Ukrainian families that had arrived in Kilkenny with no transport options.  These bikes are now enabling newly arrived families to access work, education, shops and other services.  

Bike maintenance workshops were also delivered to ensure the bikes remain in good working order.

This scheme was supported by Kilkenny County Council and Kilkenny Leader Partnership.  

Caitriona Corr, Cycling Officer with Kilkenny County Council said:

“We are very grateful to Pat Glennon and all the men from the Men’s Shed, and Paul Murphy, Joe Bergin and Peter Dore from the Bicycle Engineering Academy and Marble City Cyclers for all their work on collections, repairs and distributions.” 

85% of young people seeking treatment are male at Kilkenny centre

In September, with the beginning of the new school year, young people from Kilkenny have also got involved.  A group of enthusiastic teachers and students from St. Kieran’s College, with the support of Kilkenny County Council, have established a bike hub on the school grounds.   The students have been learning all about bike maintenance under the guidance of their teachers, Larry Cotter and Simon Reddy and Paul Murphy from the Bicycle Engineering Academy.  In their free time, the students have rebuilt bicycles and are pictured here handing them over to some grateful recipients who are eagerly looking forward to getting up and mobile again. 

James Larkin, one of the students explained how the group are learning many practical skills.

“We have learnt many things, how to replace a chain, how to fix a puncture on a wheel and we even started to build our own bike," he said.

Larry Cotter, of St. Kieran’s College is delighted with the new opportunity for the students.  

“The students have thoroughly enjoyed developing the practical skills of bike maintenance and repair.  We look forward to developing this initiative and getting more students involved in the future.”

 Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Pat Fitzpatrick commended the initiative.

“Kilkenny County Council are proud to be associated with such a worthwhile initiative.  Everyone involved is to be commended and in particular the students and teachers of St. Kieran’s College. So many bicycles are being stored in sheds around the County that could be put to good use and will make a huge difference to the lives of our Ukrainian community and others in need.”