RadBox: No more excuses for unroadworthy bikes!

Preceded in the weeks before by barrier tape, trenches, and the laying of electric cable, the first of many highlights came in the morning hours of 25 September 2019. A truck-mounted crane effortlessly lifted the two containers supplied onto the prepared area in front of the greenhouse, which were then joined to form a 'box'.

However, in order to be able to make it to the planned opening at the start of the winter semester, there was still a long catalogue of tasks to complete. Grinding down and painting the used containers several times, procuring and setting up a workshop facility, selecting and arranging tools in a logical way, working out an operating protocol, and, last but not least, enjoying the anticipation of the upcoming opening. An extraordinary bicycle repair workshop for the University of Bayreuth as a place to meet, learn, and, of course, get down to repairs.

On 15 October the time had finally come. In a relaxed, convivial atmosphere, RadBox, its bright green paintwork gleaming, was ceremonially opened. Stephan Kurth, speaker for the University Governing Board and supporter from the very beginning, outlined the various milestones of the past few years. A mobility survey carried out in 2018 had shown very clearly that the high proportion of cyclists at the University deserved greater support. Coincidently, the 'Create Your Campus' ideas competition had already produced the answer a few months earlier, in the winning proposal 'Establishment of a bicycle self-help workshop’.

Backed by funding connected to this, an alliance consisting of the Student Parliament, Green Campus, and further University bodies, set out to make the project a reality. A room that had initially been earmarked for the purpose, meanwhile, could not be used after all for reasons of fire protection, which is why the container solution was becoming increasingly attractive. Some secondary measures, such as the installation of a repair post in front of the Department of Sports Science were nevertheless swiftly implemented. In summer 2019, an attractive location was finally found in the sealed area in front of the Glass House, and the fine tuning work could begin.

Since then a large circle of supporters has formed, attached to the Student Parliament in the working group Bicycle Mobility. Thanks to the overwhelming commitment of volunteers, it is in fact possible to offer opening hours of up to four hours every working day.

Lena Falk-Walter, 'owner' of the Monday shift, has had the following experience: "Over time, the RadBox has become a bit more cosy. The bare walls at the start got posters and checklists, and the half-empty shelves have gradually filled with tools. And even in the cold, dark winter months, the demand has been quite strong so far. Especially at the beginning of a shift, when everyone is waiting for the person with the key, it can get pretty busy."

As a self-help bicycle repair workshop, the green box offers everything to make a tinkerer’s heart beat faster. Especially the four assembly stands available for use make many of the jobs a lot easier. If these are being used, there is usually still enough room for all bicycle owners and helpers to access the tool trolley unhindered. The mood is especially absorbing when several people are working on similar problems at the same time, meaning they can swap tools they need plus some practical advice. And of course, the RadBox team members present at any given time are always ready to answer questions or desperate pleas for help.

A tally sheet on the desk records all the work that has been done on the bikes so far: Adjusting the gears, repairing lights, changing brake pads, even centring the wheel and changing bottom bracket bearings - it is a wide range of work. But the undisputed favourite is repairing and pumping up tubes. No other bicycle part frustrates Bayreuth students as much as their tyres.

The highlight for the RadBox team is the gratitude they receive, which is often given in kind for the effort put in. Early fears that the candy drawer would soon be empty have proven unfounded.