WoC was designed to train young people in practical skills related to the use of bicycles as a sustainable means of transportation, an educational tool and a form of community participation. Through local and transnational activities, the aim was to improve their knowledge of basic mechanics, route planning and audiovisual content creation, thus strengthening their autonomy and employability. In addition, the project sought to consolidate a network of social entities that promote sustainable mobility, and to generate reusable products such as videos, routes and the Bike Toolkit Finder map of locations. It also aimed to raise public awareness of the social and environmental benefits of cycling, promoting its use in different local contexts. Overall, the project aimed to contribute to the personal and social development of young people, promote the use of bicycles as a sustainable means of transport, foster networking among European organizations and leave a positive and lasting footprint in the participating territories.
The Wheels of Change project was requested with the objective of promoting the use of bicycles as an educational and youth participation tool, especially among young people with fewer opportunities. Common needs were identified among the participating organizations, such as the lack of practical training in bicycle mechanics, limited access to sustainable mobility initiatives, and the scarce connection between social and youth entities and local workshops. The project addressed these needs through the creation of training spaces, guided routes, repair workshops and open and reusable materials. It also fostered cooperation between organizations in Spain, Portugal and Italy, facilitating the exchange of methodologies and best practices at the European level. The bicycle was conceived not only as a means of transportation, but also as an instrument to promote autonomy, social inclusion and commitment to the environment. The participating entities found an opportunity to give greater scope and coherence to their local actions.