What The Bike Hub Is All About
The Bike Hub is a social enterprise that’s all about using cycling to bring communities together. Running community bike shops in Dun Laoghaire and Dublin City, it partners with local councils and community organisations to make cycling accessible to everyone. Whether it’s through accessible fleets, bike repairs, volunteering, or training, The Bike Hub is on a mission to get as many people cycling as possible. It’s not just about bikes — it’s about inclusion, healthy lifestyles, and environmental sustainability, all rolled into one.
The Main Benefits of The Bike Hub
Here’s what you can get involved with or benefit from at The Bike Hub:
- A fleet of accessible bikes for people who can’t use regular bikes — and yes, it’s free! Just book a ride.
- Bike repairs to keep your wheels rolling smoothly.
- Volunteering opportunities — pilot Cycling Without Age (CWA) trishaws or help out with community projects.
- Bike maintenance training courses to get hands-on skills.
- Fix-your-own-bike sessions where you can learn and do it yourself.
Community Partnerships and Outreach
The Bike Hub works closely with organisations supporting people in direct provision, those experiencing homelessness, and children in DEIS schools by providing free upcycled bicycles. It’s about giving back and making sure no one misses out on the joy and freedom of cycling. Plus, they have all sorts of bikes — tandems, tricycles, wheelchair platform bikes, cargo bikes — you name it, they’ve got it. And if cycling yourself isn’t an option, Cycling Without Age offers trishaws with trained volunteer pilots who’ll take you for a spin. How cool is that?
Programs for Schools and Older Adults
Education is a big part of The Bike Hub’s work. They run programs in schools teaching kids the basics of bike mechanics and safe cycling. It’s hands-on, practical, and fun — perfect for getting young people excited about bikes. On the flip side, they also partner with local organisations to support active lives for people over 60. It’s a full-circle approach, making sure cycling is accessible and enjoyable for all ages.
Creating a Collaborative Cycling Hub
The Bike Hub isn’t just a place to fix bikes or borrow one — it’s a vibrant, dynamic space where cyclists can meet, maintain their bikes, and plan fun cycling activities. It’s a hub for social and business activities, fostering leadership, transparency, and partnership. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, there’s always a cycling-related project happening, so there’s plenty to get involved with.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being — promoting healthy lifestyles through cycling.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities — providing accessible bikes and support to marginalized groups.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities — encouraging eco-friendly transport options.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production — upcycling bikes and promoting sustainability.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals — collaborating with councils, schools, and community organisations.
Where to Find The Bike Hub and How to Connect
The Bike Hub has two main locations: one in Dun Laoghaire at Queen’s Rd, open Tuesday to Sunday with varying hours, and another in Crumlin at Sundrive Pavilion, where opening times are available on request. For questions or to get involved, you can reach out via email at contact@TheBikeHub.ie or call 01 264 1000. And hey, don’t forget to follow them on social media — Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Bluesky, and TikTok — to stay in the loop with all the latest projects and events.
