BUILDING A BRIDGE WITH BIKE BUILDING
- Posted on
In 2023, Frontline Make Change, the parent organisation of Frontline Bikes, launched The Bridge Project - a transformative youth intervention programme in Dublin.
The Bridge Project: Empowering Dublin Youth Through Bikes, Art, and Restorative Practice
The programme is delivered in partnership with:
- Dublin City Council
- Community Gardaí
- Youth services from the North Inner City, North Wall, South Inner City, and East Wall areas
The goal of the project is to bridge divides between teenagers from different parts of Dublin using a unique combination of:
- Bike building & maintenance training
- Art therapy
- Restorative practice workshops
By providing safe, creative, and practical outlets, the programme supports personal growth, conflict resolution, and community connection for young people facing social challenges.
Bike Maintenance & Building Workshops in Dublin
Each week, participants travel to the Frontline Bikes Training & Upcycling Centre in Bluebell, where they learn hands-on bike maintenance skills from our experienced mechanics, Paul Longworth and Ger McBrearty.
The young people:
- Learn how to strip, repair, and build bikes from scratch
- Gain practical experience in using tools and mechanical skills
- Design and build their own custom bikes to take home at the end of the project
“The act of building something with your own hands is empowering. It shows these young people that they can create something valuable - and that they have value too.” Ger McBrearty, Frontline Bikes Shop Manager
Group Art Therapy Sessions
Art therapist Deirdre McCormick facilitates group art therapy sessions, providing participants with a creative outlet to explore emotions, past experiences, and identity in a safe and supportive environment.
“Young people communicate through self-expression. They have a unique view of the world and unique life experiences. Creative outlets using interaction, art and play techniques can help them make sense of what’s going on for them.” Deirdre McCormick
Restorative Practice: Rebuilding Relationships & Trust
Jason Campbell, Frontline’s Community Prison Links Worker, leads the restorative practice component of the programme. Through open dialogue, he helps participants explore the root causes of conflict, often related to:
- Community tensions
- Family dynamics
- Exposure to crime, violence, and addiction
“I use restorative practice to help youths understand conflict and guide them toward a better path. Many of them come from environments where violence and addiction are common. We help them build self-awareness and realise their own strengths — creating a space where they can see themselves differently.” – Jason Campbell
These sessions build empathy, accountability, and communication skills, encouraging participants to engage even when it’s difficult. This process plays a key role in reducing the risk of future criminal activity and breaking cycles of trauma.
Project Outcomes: Bikes Built, Confidence Gained
At the end of the programme, each participant takes home the bike they designed and built themselves - a symbol of what they’ve learned and achieved.
In 2024, the custom, one-of-a-kind bikes created by the participants were proudly showcased in the Frontline Bikes shop in Inchicore. The community’s enthusiastic response inspired us to make select designs available for public purchase - with all profits supporting future youth projects like this one.
Support the Bridge Project – Buy a Custom Youth-Designed Bike
If you’re interested in purchasing a bike designed by a participant, email us at [email protected]
Your support directly funds more transformative youth programmes in Dublin that combine creativity, community building, and practical skills training.