2009 | Dublin | Level 1
Anne Bedos
Rothar
Scarce resources, environmental waste and social inequalities are key challenges in today’s society. Rothar is a bicycle-recycling project with a dual mission: to provide development opportunities to at-risk populations in Dublin City and to promote environmental stewardship.
Anne Bedos set up the organisation to offer affordable and environmentally sustainable transportation options for commuters, recreational bikers and messengers. Since May 2008, Rothar has salvaged many bikes from the waste stream and works closely with youth groups to train at-risk youth in bicycle mechanics as well as building skills in basic business concepts.
The Rothar team also help young people acquire the soft skills required in today’s competitive job market.
Rothar operates a community based bicycle shop that sells refurbished bicycles, accessories and second hand parts and offers classes on bicycle repairs and a workshop for repairs. Anne also offers female only bike mechanics and rider training classes to address the low cycling rate by females in Dublin.
Anne created Rothar after working in the charity and community development sector for more than 10 years.
She is a political scientist specialising in social inclusion and gender equality and is an enthusiastic cyclist.
“I want to provide the possibility to gain skills and develop an eco-friendly mentality that would go against the “throwawayism” that still prevails in Ireland.”
www.rothar.ie
