The European project WHEEL [Wellness, Health, Environment, Empowerment, Learning], co-financed by the Erasmus+ Sport program, debuted in Romania with its first educational event dedicated to the promotion of cycling. The activity Community Engagement Cycling Event I took place on March 14, 2025, at Secondary School No. 190 in Bucharest, bringing together over 80 students from grades 4 and 5.
The event was organized in collaboration with ASE Bucharest University Sports Club, the project coordinator, and Scoala Gimnazială nr. 190, an associated partner in the initiative. Representatives of the Romanian Cycling Federation, the main partner in the project, were also present to share information about professional cycling and the benefits of cycling.
Objectives and Topics Addressed
WHEEL aims to promote cycling as a sustainable means of transport, encourage an active lifestyle and support social inclusion through educational activities. During the event, students participated in interactive sessions on:
- Benefits of cycling – health, mobility, sustainability;
- The impact of transport on the environment and ways to reduce carbon emissions;
- Recycling and reusing bicycles, a key process within the WHEEL project;
- Cycling safety elements, essential for using a bicycle in an urban environment.
A highlight of the event was the practical repair workshop, in which students learned to identify and fix common bicycle problems. This activity was carried out with the support of specialists present at the event, providing participants with a practical educational experience.
The Impact of the WHEEL Project
Through its activities, WHEEL contributes to:
✅ Reusing and recycling 150 bicycles to reduce the impact of waste on the environment;
✅ Facilitating access to cycling for children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds;
✅ Raising awareness of sustainable urban mobility;
✅ Development of practical skills related to bicycle maintenance and use.
The project will continue with new activities and events in Romania, Spain and Turkey, strengthening the collaboration between partner institutions to promote an active and environmentally responsible lifestyle.
WHEEL Project Partners
WHEEL is implemented by ASE Bucharest University Sports Club, in partnership with Romanian Cycling Federation, CIP FP Lumbier IIP (Spain) and ISFF (Turkey). It also benefits from the support of the National Agency for Sports, “Everything for You” Association, Decathlon and Gymnasium School no. 190.