Close to people | Stories from Bethel
"Our bikes are real eye-catchers"
Countless disused bicycles of various designs and makes are lined up next to each other in the bicycle upcycle workshop in Bernau. Right next to the colourful collection are the results of loving preparation: freshly painted "Lobetaler Upcyclers". "It's great how happy the customers are when they see these bikes," says workshop employee Maik Räntsch.
The 38-year-old is one of a total of twelve mentally ill people who restore old bicycles in the workshop of the Hoffnungstaler Stiftung Lobetal foundation as part of their vocational rehabilitation programme. "For example, we refurbish the original chrome parts and the gears. The frame is also powder-coated in a colour of the customer's choice," reports Maik Räntsch as he pulls an "eight" out of a rim on a centring stand. "It's quite a fiddly job," he remarks with a smile.
Maik Räntsch enjoys the often tricky assembly. "I enjoy screwing and I can work here without stress," says the employee, who worked as a bricklayer and tiler before falling ill. Workshop group leader Nico Kleikamp emphasises how important it is for employees to work under gentle pressure. "Time pressure is what mentally ill people need least of all when they are being introduced to the primary labour market," he explains. Each employee is supported individually according to their abilities and preferences.
Visible sense of achievement
The requirements for bicycle upcycling are varied. Some jobs require manual dexterity, others require perseverance and persistence. At the end, there is a visible sense of achievement with which the workshop employees can identify.
"I enjoy screwing, and I can work here without stress"
Maik Räntsch also likes the sustainability aspect of upcycling. "None of the bikes end up on the scrap heap," he says. Unlike recycling, where a product is broken down into its original materials for reuse, with upcycling it is not only preserved, but completely refurbished. For example, the gears, electrical system, lighting and frame of the bikes are overhauled or replaced. Finally, all bikes are given a wooden transport box with the Lobetal logo mounted on the front carrier as a striking unique selling point. "When they're finished, our bikes are real eye-catchers," says Maik Räntsch.
Text: Gunnar Kreutner | Photos: Christian Weische
This story simply told
Maik Räntsch works in a bicycle workshop in Bernau. The workshop employs people with mental illnesses. They are supported so that they can return to the normal labour market if possible. Old bicycles are repaired and refurbished in the workshop. Maik Räntsch likes this.
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Contact
Hoffnungstaler Stiftung Lobetal
Bicycle upcycle workshop
Ulitzkastrasse 1
16321 Bernau
Offers & services
People with mental illnesses work in the bicycle upcycle workshop. Here, disused bikes are completely refurbished, painted and fitted with a transport box.
