Pedaling Together for a Healthier, More Inclusive, and Sustainable Future

On the weekend of May 30–31, 2025, the city of Bucharest, Romania, became the meeting point for over 250 participants, including students and their families from local schools, who gathered with a shared vision: promoting health, sustainability, and social inclusion through the power of cycling.

As ISSF – Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Future, we proudly participated in the second transnational event of the European project WHEEL (Wellness, Health, Environment, Empowerment, Learning) with 3 representatives from Turkey. This inspiring initiative, supported by the Erasmus+ Sports programme, aims to encourage active lifestyles, environmental awareness, and social empowerment through community cycling activities across Europe.

A highlight of the event was the heartfelt moment when 110 bicycles were donated to 110 children, symbolizing a tangible investment in the next generation’s health, mobility, and sense of belonging.

The event was hosted by Romanian partners and brought together a dynamic international consortium, including:
🔹 Federatia Romana de Ciclism (Romania)
🔹 CSU ASE (Romania)
🔹 CIP “FP Lumbier” IIP (Spain)
🔹 Agenția Națională pentru Sport (Romania)
🔹 ISSF – Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Future (Turkey)

Throughout the weekend, participants engaged in community bike rides, awareness sessions on sustainability and environmental protection, and cultural exchange activities aimed at strengthening inclusion and cooperation among diverse groups. The event also served as a platform for sharing good practices in promoting cycling as a tool for education, well-being, and empowerment.

At ISSF, we believe in the power of grassroots action and cross-border cooperation to build stronger, greener, and more inclusive societies. Participating in the WHEEL project aligns with our mission to foster innovative and sustainable solutions for the future.

We extend our sincere thanks to our partners for their warm hospitality and excellent organization, and we look forward to the next steps of this meaningful journey.

Let’s keep pedaling — together — toward a better tomorrow.

With the strong support of Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Future (ISSF) and the community actors, the event featured a series of dynamic educational seminars aimed at raising awareness about the numerous benefits of cycling. Parents and students participated in interactive sessions exploring topics such as environmental impact, personal health, and basic bike maintenance skills. Practical workshops provided hands-on training on essential techniques including tire repair, brake adjustment, and general upkeep, equipping participants with the confidence to care for their bikes independently.

The highlight of the event was the transformation of the schoolyard into a playful cycling course, where children learned safe riding techniques while having fun in a secure environment. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and enthusiasm, reinforcing the message that sustainable transport can also be joyful and empowering.

In parallel, a bike donation and refurbishment campaign was launched to ensure that children without bicycles are not left behind. The initiative aims to restore and distribute at least 10 bicycles to students, enabling them to become active participants in this growing cycling movement.

As the first community event in Turkey wraps up with resounding success, preparations are already underway for the second community event, scheduled to take place in June. The WHEEL project continues to roll forward with determination, fostering healthy habits, environmental awareness, and community spirit through the power of cycling.

Stay tuned and join the journey toward a greener future—one pedal at a time!