Background

Barrier-Free Cycling (聯手啟動) emerged from the Yan Oi Tong Youth Dream Factory's fifth Youth Dream Factory Programme and became an independent entity in 2020. The organisation is committed to promoting disability inclusion and environmental sustainability through a blend of design education and public sports services.

Shared Recycled Hand-Powered Bicycles

Creative Concept 

Barrier-Free Cycling is spearheading a unique initiative to convert discarded bicycles into hand-powered bicycles. This project not only offers an eco-friendly transportation solution but also provides barrier-free sports opportunities, thereby reducing carbon emissions and minimising waste.

Responding to Local Social Issues 

The project addresses two critical local concerns:

By repurposing abandoned shared bicycles, Barrier-Free Cycling optimises resource use and reduces waste, promoting a sustainable approach to urban mobility.

The initiative provides accessible hand-powered bicycles, catering specifically to the local disabled community and ensuring inclusivity in recreational activities.

Vehicle Features

• Ergonomic Design: These hand-powered bicycles are designed with ergonomic considerations, featuring seat heights similar to wheelchairs for easy transfers.
• Compact and Practical: The bicycles have a shorter body, suitable for elevator access, and comply with local bike path standards, ensuring an unobstructed user experience.
• Safety Compliance: The bicycles meet all safety standards outlined in Hong Kong's Road Traffic Ordinance Chapter 374, guaranteeing user safety.

Services and Activities

Rental Services

Hand-Powered Bicycle Rentals: Organisations can establish shared stations, providing access to these bicycles for both disabled and non-disabled individuals, promoting inclusivity and encouraging regular physical activity.

Educational Activities

• This seminar educates participants on the needs of disabled individuals, encouraging a design thinking approach to urban planning and product development focused on accessibility.

• Participants receive hands-on training in using hand-powered bicycles, covering safety precautions and relevant regulations.

• This workshop teaches basic bicycle repair and maintenance skills, extending the lifespan of bicycles and reducing carbon emissions.

• Participants learn to creatively upcycle bicycle waste into useful everyday items, fostering sustainability and environmental awareness.

Reinvention of the Bicycle-Sharing System: Towards Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Mobility

Responding to the Negative Impacts of Shared Bike Programs in Hong Kong

•  Overcrowding and Urban Clutter 

Shared bike programmes in Hong Kong have led to issues with overcrowding and urban clutter, where bikes are often parked indiscriminately, obstructing public spaces and posing hazards. Barrier-Free Cycling addresses this by collaborating with NGOs and community organizations to ensure organized deployment and proper parking, thus maintaining an orderly urban environment.

• Environmental Concerns 

The project addresses the environmental concerns associated with shared bikes, such as the production and disposal impact. By legally collecting discarded bikes and upcycling them into hand-powered bicycles, Barrier-Free Cycling extends the bikes' lifecycle, reduces waste, and mitigates the environmental footprint. The project also emphasises producing durable bicycles to minimize the need for frequent replacements.

Photo Reference:

Grund, T. (2018). Dockless share bikes left abandoned on Lantau Island country park hiking trail. [Photo]. Hong Kong Free Press. Retrieved from https://hongkongfp.com/2018/06/23/dockless-share-bikes-left-abandoned-lantau-island-country-park-hiking-trail/

A Model for Social Innovation and Sustainable Development

Barrier-Free Cycling exemplifies a comprehensive approach to solving the issues encountered by previous shared bike programs. By upcycling abandoned bikes and collaborating with NGOs, the project not only mitigates environmental concerns but also promotes inclusivity through accessible cycling options for the disabled community. This model of social enterprise showcases how innovative, community-focused interventions can effectively address complex social and environmental challenges, fostering a sustainable and inclusive urban mobility ecosystem that benefits the entire community.