Re-CYCLE it!

I wanted to explain more about the cargo bike we’ve recently been working on. The allotment is about ten mins from our house. Often when we go we resort to the car for transportation reasons. It’s not ideal in our philosophy. Our existing bike provision with panniers can work for some things but also leads to damaged plants and other problems.

We take chicken manure and home made compost from the wormery too. This type of thing doesn’t sit well in a regular bike. The weight leads to balance problems as well.

So commonly in Holland people use a bakfiets. It’s a great idea but they are expensive. New at about €1100.00 + second hand from around €500.00- €800.00.

To reduce emmissions and keep true to sustainability we wanted a better way.

Now, not everyone can make their own bike. But everyone who can should maybe consider it.

Holland is indeed the land of unwanted bikes. They are everywhere.

Here’s what we used.

disgarded bicycle parts-rear end with wheel, seat, brakes, lock, rack and pedals Two kids bike wheels Spare metal off cuts Disguarded box from cargo bike used for another project Lights rescued from rubbish (disguarded bikes) Hand grips from another bike Bell from another disguarded bike Steering column under boxes (shortened) from disguarded bike

New parts

Spray paint and undercoat Elastic bungies for the bike rack. Sail cloth for the cover for the box

It has taken time. The students my husband works with gave had a mobility project where they make either a hand powered bike or a walking bike (with no pedals). After the final bike race day they often leave their projects behind (!) Rather than throw them away, there’s been a scavenger at work. Over time the various components have been assembled.

Very proud at the level of reclamation that was involved in this project. All over the world people don’t throw useful things away as readily as those of us in the west. This bike was a real triumph!

Here’s the photo story. Inaugural pedal yesterday!



