This bike subscription service for children and adults keeps bikes out of the waste stream: BikeFlip

Utrecht, NL: BikeFlip, a startup that was originally visualized as a master's project at a university in Utrecht, is now turning donated and abandoned bikes into new rides for those in need and providing parents with an innovative subscription service solution to the problem of their kids outgrowing their bikes in short order. They are also working to refurbish bikes and get them to those who cannot afford a bike. This video features an interview with BikeFlip Operational Manager Jean-Luc Verhage. Also, there's a nice cameo by a longtime supporter of the Active Towns Channel, Cathy Tuttle, a volunteer mechanic at BikeFlip.
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- BikeFlip: bikeflip.nl/
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Credits: Video and audio production by John Simmerman
Music via Epidemic Sound: bit.ly/3rFLErD
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Background:
Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and I’m a health promotion and public health professional with over 30 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.
Since 2010, I've been exploring, documenting, and profiling established, emerging, and aspiring Active Towns wherever they might be while striving to produce high-quality multimedia content to help inspire the creation of more safe and inviting, environments that promote a "Culture of Activity" for "All Ages & Abilities."
The Active Towns Channel features my original video content and reflections, including a selection of podcast episodes and short films profiling the positive and inspiring efforts happening around the world as I am able to experience and document them.
Thanks once again for tuning in! I hope you find this content helpful and insightful.
Creative Commons License: Attributions, Non-Commercial, No Derivatives, 2024

[@Sugar3Glider]

Excellent!

[@ActiveTowns]

😀

[@reneolthof6811]

A typical part of the entire bicycle infrastructure here in the Netherlands. I must admit I had never heard of this nice initiative, but then - no kids in my family!

[@ActiveTowns]

Pretty darn cool and creative on several levels. 😀

[@Sugar3Glider]

6:50 Bottom left, big man little bike.
You're welcome.

[@ActiveTowns]

Indeed! 🤣

[@safecyclist1]

John, what a wonderful concept. I really like the trial road in the warehouse and we may do something like that at the woom warehouse in Austin.

[@ActiveTowns]

Great idea! 😀

[@colleenharrison2942]

Wonderful idea and business. We need more businesses like this.

[@ActiveTowns]

We sure do! Thanks so much for watching and for the comment. Cheers! John

[@JustClaude13]

That's a great idea.

[@ActiveTowns]

It sure is! 😀 Thanks for tuning in. Cheers! John

[@cullencarter4627]

Very cool. Are there any trikes for disabled people?

[@ActiveTowns]

I’m sure there could be… again, it all depends on what gets donated or is in the fleet of abandoned bikes that they receive

[@egelmuis]

I think there is a trike for disabled people at 0:07

[@egelmuis]

Because children's bikes are only used for a short time, you quickly have the inclination to buy a cheap bike that will only last a short time. Cheap children's bikes are often low-quality, or at least have low-quality parts such as brakes and lights. Since such a bike will be replaced within a few months anyway, you also put little effort into repairs. This kind of organisation will put better-quality parts on the bike because it is cheaper for them in the long run, thus ensuring more safety.

[@ActiveTowns]

Yep, and higher quality bikes like Woom, which I've profiled before on my Podcast, will last for a very long time, serving many generations of children.
www.activetowns.org/2020/03/07/ready-to-ride/
Thanks so much for tuning in. Cheers! John

[@egelmuis]

@@ActiveTowns I know, my youngest has one second-hand but almost like new Woom.🤠

[@ActiveTowns]

@@egelmuis Nice! 😀

[@egelmuis]

@@ActiveTowns and the oldest has an at least thirdhand Hase. I have forgotten to show our fleet of bikes monday.