Are you interested in organising a bicycle collection? On this page, you will find everything you need to know. We look forward to hearing from you!
100 collections per year
With the help of associations, schools, companies and committed private individuals, we organise around 100 bicycle collections every year. You too can organise a collection and make an important contribution at the beginning of Velafrica’s impact chain. We are happy to support you with the organisation, communication and logistics.
Hear from a bicycle collector
Serge Goy is one of Velafrica’s many collection heroes. In the video, he explains what motivates him to collect bikes for Velafrica.
A successful bicycle collection in 5 steps
A bike collection can be carried out with little effort. We are happy to support you. Contact us early by e-mail.
1 – Form a team
It’s more fun together: collect bikes with your association, as a team event with your company or as a project week at school. You can also organise a collection as a private individual.
2 – Choose the place and date
Choose an easily accessible location and a date when as many people as possible have time to bring their bike to the collection – ideally a Saturday or Wednesday afternoon.
3 – Spread the word
Distribute flyers, put up posters, use your municipality’s event calendar, contact the local media and share it on social media – the more people know about the campaign, the more bikes you will collect.
4 – Set up the collection point
Mark the location of the bike collection and prepare the information material that Velafrica has sent you. Perhaps you are organising an accompanying programme? Prepare everything for a great collection day.
5 – Collect bikes
Receive the bikes and inform the donors about Velafrica’s projects. We accept all types of bikes and find a meaningful reuse for every bike in good condition.
Now it’s our turn: after you have safely stored the bikes temporarily, Velafrica organises the transport of the collected bikes and takes care of repairs and export.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Anyone can organise a bike collection for Velafrica. In our experience, however, it is easier and more fun in a team.
Put the bikes in a safe place or lock them with wire cables and bike locks. If needed, Velafrica provides securing material.
Yes. We accept all bikes. We dismantle bikes in poor condition or defective bikes and use individual components as spare parts. Material that can no longer be used is professionally recycled.
Posters, flyers, textile flags, postcards, … you will find a complete list here: https://velafrica.ch/wie-sie-helfen/velospende/infomaterial-sammelanlasse/ (in German)
No. Velafrica is happy to print posters and flyers in limited quantities for your collection event. However, we need lead time for this. Please contact us early.
Velafrica only collects bikes. We do not collect scooters, kickboards, bike trailers, balance bikes, tricycles or accessories such as child bike seats, baskets or pumps.
We have compiled tips for writing a media release and when best to send it in an information sheet. You can find it here: https://velafrica.ch/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2026_Merkblatt_Medienarbeit.pdf (in German)
