The bike collection “Give a Bike,” which has helped Ukrainian refugees with transportation in Denmark, faces possible closure due to funding problems. The Cyclists’ Federation, the organization behind the initiative, announced in a press release that they lack up to half a million kroner to continue their work. The project was launched in March 2022 in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and has successfully collected and distributed over 3000 used bikes to Ukrainian refugees in Denmark. This effort has been made possible thanks to the help of around 40 volunteers across the country.
Kenneth Øhrberg Krag, director of the Cyclists’ Federation, explains that while volunteers have made a significant effort, maintaining the project requires both financial resources and administrative support. “It costs to keep the website running, and we cannot continue without a part-time project manager who coordinates the efforts with the volunteers,” he says. Back in December 2022, the federation had to request more bikes as demand exceeded the number of available bikes. This highlights the ongoing necessity of the project and the positive impact it has on the lives of refugees.
If new funding opportunities are not found, this valuable initiative risks having to shut down, leaving many Ukrainian refugees without a vital transportation resource. The Cyclists’ Federation therefore appeals to both private and public actors to support the project so it can continue to make a difference for those who need it most.