What is it?

Changing Gears is a bike restoration and repair project with the long term aim of improving air quality in Brighton through promoting cycling rather than using transport which burn fossil fuels. Their Facebook page states, ''Cycling has positive effect on the environment too reducing waste, congestion, air pollution and CO2 emissions''. Changing Gears is sponsored by Groundwork (an eco-charity) whose aims include: -Tackling climate change by helping people out of fuel poverty, -Bringing out the best in young people by helping them to improve their local area, -Building stronger communities by improving parks, playgrounds and other shared green spaces, -Getting people back into work by creating green jobs

What does it do?

They opened a cycle highway between the university and the city centre in 2015, with the aim being to encourage students to cycle and reduce fossil fuel consumption.Changing Gears also offers courses for the public to learn how to maintain their cycles, carry out repairs and restores and sells bikes helping people to save money and make cycling a more affordable option. All of the bikes which Changing Gears sell are donated. Therefore they are reusing old bikes instead of buying in brand new ones, meaning waste is limited. The range of bikes is large and include everything from mountain bikes to vintage bikes.

How does it relate to Environmental Citizenship?

Changing Gears relates to environmental citizenship as they demonstrate the responsibilities locals have in reducing harmful emissions into the environment and the importance of reusing goods already available. Moreover, the money Changing Gears make helps to sustain the project and allows them to provide volunteering opportunities. Cycling is not only beneficial in reducing C02 emissions but reduces waste and congestion. It contributes to the sustainable development goal of good health and well-being as it promotes exercise and contributes to a sustainable city and community.