Eco-innovation in the P-O….with Maebh Ni Fhalluin
This new series aims to highlight examples of eco-innovation and experimentation by local groups in the P-O forging new paths for living (and thriving!) within the boundaries of our natural systems. This is the second article in our series. Read our last piece about an inspiring community farm in Sorède, Micro ferme la Cotcolleda.
La Casa Bicicleta, Perpignan
What began as a conversation among a group of cycling enthusiasts about a lack of bicycle repair workshops in Perpignan has evolved into a stunningly successful community initiative that supports cyclists and promotes cycling at all levels.
This year marks La Casa Bicicleta’s 10th anniversary. Gaël Simon, a founding member, recalls,
“At that time, there was only one small bike workshop on the university campus, and then it closed down. This prompted a group of friends to set up a new association, La Casa Bicicleta. Between them they had all the necessary skills: some knew how associations worked, others were DIY experts, others knew how to fundraise and where to apply for grants.”
The group found premises in the city centre, a stone’s throw from La Basse on Rue de la Lanterne. With the support of a crowdfunding campaign, within a few months, they had a fully equipped space, the association’s bylaws, and equipment donated by the university bike workshop that had closed.
‘A fantastic machine’
At a practical level, the association’s main activity is its bicycle self-repair workshop. It offers an open-door policy for people to drop in for help, support, training, and for essential bicycle parts. They also run regular family rides and other cycling events and offer cycling lessons for adults.
Gaël mentions various motivating factors for the group’s active participation,
“Several things are important to us:
- Promoting the bicycle, which is a fantastic machine. It is simple, robust, inexpensive, fun, eco-friendly and it offers freedom.
- Enabling everyone to use a bicycle at a lower cost and enabling less fortunate people to acquire a means of transportation.
- Providing a friendly place where people help each other and everyone learns in the process of repairing their bike.
- Promoting cycling because it is good for the environment and giving new life to many bikes that were destined for the dump.”
‘Ideal for cycling’
The association expanded with support from local authorities and now has two salaried staff and a rota of committed volunteers.
“When we launched the association, we didn’t know if it would last. But it quickly became a success, and this has strengthened our motivation. Ten years on, we’re proud to have not only survived but to have grown,” says Gaël.
Recognising this success, Perpignan Méditerranée Métropole (PMM) and the city of Perpignan have agreed to invest in a larger premises for the association (planned for early 2026).
On the strengths and opportunities for cycling in the PO Region, Gaël emphasises,
“Our region is ideal for cycling because the weather is always nice, the landscapes are magnificent, and there are plenty of ecological, heritage, and cultural attractions. The key to increasing cycling in our region is infrastructure. A truly ambitious cycling policy is needed with massive construction of continuous cycle paths. Currently, we have many small sections of unconnected cycle paths that are dangerous for entering and exiting. Integrating modes of transport is also essential.”
Find further details about opening hours and upcoming events at casabicicleta.org and www.facebook.com/lacasabicicletaperpignan.
If you would like us to highlight an inspiring eco-initiative in your area, please get in touch with maebh.nifhalluin@gmail.com.