Circular Economy: Material Flows and Sustainable Materials – Practical Applications

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2.11

The Bicycle: Repairable Mobility

The bicycle, first invented by Karl von Drais in 1817, started a new chapter of human mobility. Over time it established itself as an affordable, durable, and easily repairable form of transport, accessible to a wider part of the population.

Globally, there are now more than one billion bikes, highlighting their continued relevance and potential to be an important, low-carbon mobility solution for the future. According to some studies the bicycle is among the most efficient forms of travel in the world, allowing a person to cover a given distance with roughly one-fifth the energy required for walking, read more here. And you can watch The history of the bicycle here.

Blueprint for a Circular Bicycle Economy

This list focuses on some key aspects that are important for a circular bicycle economy, with the potential to replace other modes of transport with heavier footprints.

Circular Design and Materials: Design bicycles for longevity using durable, interchangeable parts. Prioritize recycled aluminum or steel and sustainable alternatives like bamboo.
Reuse and Refurbishment: Extend product life via repairs, component replacement, take-back programs, and upcycling/donation pathways.
New Business Models: Support ‘Bicycle as a Service’ programs to reduce production and support community repair workshops for self-sufficiency.
End-of-Life: Maximize recovery through remanufacturing, efficient metal recycling, and specialized processes for e-bike batteries.
Systemic Needs: Address hurdles like proprietary parts (parts that only work with one brand) and economic incentives to continue linear production. Success requires urban infrastructure, Right-to-Repair laws, and safe parking.
Energy Use: Traditional bikes use human power based on a low-carbon, sustainable diet. E-bikes must be charged with renewable energy for full sustainability.

Roetz Bikes, The Netherlands

Roetz-Bikes operates as a social enterprise founded on the core principles of the circular economy. The company’s business model is centered on the remanufacturing of bicycles, utilizing restored and treated frames from discarded cycles to build new, high-quality city and electric bikes. This strategy inherently designs out waste, extends product lifespan, and facilitates material recirculation, transitioning away from a linear economic model. Furthermore, Roetz implements a robust social sustainability component by providing apprenticeship programs in their Amsterdam ‘Fair Factory’. These programs train individuals with barriers to employment as talented mechanics, effectively integrating ecological circularity with crucial social value creation and workforce development.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

The Bicycle: Repairable Mobility

Blueprint for a Circular Bicycle Economy

Roetz Bikes, The Netherlands

Further reading, learning and references