Démarche and  abandoned bikes: an initiative for employment and the environment

Johanna Colas

The cooperative society Démarche, which we support, stands out for its commitment to enhancing employability and supporting people towards successful integration into the job market. Through its various subsidiaries, Démarche implements innovative and socially responsible projects.

One of these subsidiaries, STYYLE, plays a crucial role in coordinating and collecting bicycles abandoned on the public highway. This project is carried out in partnership with the police of the canton of Vaud (Switzerland), ensuring an effective and structured action. In addition to collaborating with the authorities, STYYLE also offers its collection services to property managers and private owners.

Once collected, the bikes are transported to the workshop where they are carefully repaired and refurbished. These renovated bikes then find a new life in Ateapic shops, another subsidiary of Démarche, where they are sold. This process not only reduces waste and preserves the environment but also offers training and employment opportunities to people in reintegration.

The RTS report highlights this remarkable initiative, perfectly illustrating the winning combination of social reintegration and environmental preservation. You can discover this inspiring report here.

This initiative is an inspiring example of how companies can play a key role in creating a sustainable and inclusive future.