The BICYCLE Project (BIcycle Culture as Youth’s Civic and sustainabLe Empowerment) is a transnational collaboration between six organizations from different European countries, each bringing unique expertise in youth work, civic engagement, environmental sustainability, and non-formal education. Below is a background-focused profile of each partner organization.

1. Asociación Cultural y Medioambiental Permacultura Cantabria (Spain) – Project Coordinator

Permacultura Cantabria is a well-established Spanish NGO specializing in youth empowerment, environmental education, and sustainable rural development. It has been actively involved in numerous Erasmus+ and international cooperation projects aimed at equipping youth workers and young people with the skills to engage in social and environmental activism.

The organization has worked extensively in the rural development sector, advocating for sustainable practices, ecological awareness, and community engagement. Their expertise in training youth workers has made them a recognized leader in non-formal education, with a focus on emotional intelligence, cooperative learning, and environmental responsibility.

Permacultura Cantabria has coordinated multiple projects that have received Good Practice Labels, particularly in areas related to youth participation, environmental education, and intercultural cooperation. Their extensive experience in managing European-funded programs positions them as a strong coordinator for BICYCLE.

2. Youth for Exchange and Understanding International (Belgium) – European Youth Policy & Intercultural Dialogue Expert

 YEU International is one of the most experienced youth-focused organizations in Europe, with over 30 years of history in intercultural dialogue, youth participation, and democratic engagement. Headquartered in Brussels, it plays a key role in advocating for youth policies at the European institutional level.

The organization has led numerous EU policy initiatives, working closely with the European Youth Forum and other international bodies to promote youth rights, participation in governance, and social inclusion. YEU’s expertise lies in developing methodologies for youth engagement in policy-making, organizing large-scale training courses, youth exchanges, and policy advocacy programs across Europe.

YEU has a long track record in non-formal education, designing innovative learning tools that encourage active citizenship, human rights education, and participatory democracy. It is widely recognized for its ability to bridge the gap between young people and European institutions, ensuring that youth voices are heard in key decision-making processes.

3. Oriel APS (Italy) – Social Inclusion & Outdoor Education Specialist

Oriel APS is an Italian NGO specializing in social inclusion, outdoor education, and sports for development. Based in San Giovanni Lupatoto, the organization has been working with young people from marginalized and disadvantaged backgrounds, using non-formal education and outdoor activities to foster personal growth and community integration.

Oriel has successfully implemented numerous Erasmus+ projects focused on youth empowerment through adventure-based learning, including initiatives that promote mental health, social skills development, and leadership training. Their experience in using cycling and outdoor sports as tools for inclusion aligns with the core values of the BICYCLE project.

The organization has also worked on gender inclusion in sports, focusing on increasing female participation in cycling and outdoor activities, and has collaborated with municipalities to enhance access to sports and recreational activities for young people.

4. Associação Educativa Nacional de Inclusão e Inovação nas Escolas (AENIE) (Portugal) – Digital Inclusion & Educational Innovation Leader

AENIE is a pioneering organization in digital education and inclusion in Portugal, with a strong focus on bridging the digital divide and improving access to educational technology for disadvantaged youth. The organization has worked extensively on inclusive education models, e-learning platforms, and mobile learning initiatives.

AENIE has played a key role in ICT-based learning, implementing projects that promote digital literacy, coding, and online civic engagement among young people. Their expertise in innovative teaching methods and gamification of learning has been widely recognized across Europe.

In recent years, AENIE has worked on European digital transformation initiatives, collaborating with schools, universities, and youth organizations to develop strategies for blended learning, virtual exchange programs, and AI-assisted education tools. Their ability to design inclusive and accessible online education environments makes them a critical player in ensuring digital accessibility within BICYCLE.

5. Erasmus Pays Basque (France) – Youth Mobility & Environmental Education Hub

Erasmus Pays Basque is a youth-focused NGO based in Hendaye, France, specializing in international mobility, volunteering programs, and environmental education. Although a newer organization compared to others in the BICYCLE consortium, it has a highly skilled team of trainers and youth workers, some with PhD-level expertise in environmental sciences.

The organization has actively promoted sustainability awareness campaigns, eco-volunteering initiatives, and cross-border youth mobility programs. It has been involved in Erasmus+ projects focused on nature conservation, climate action, and youth activism.

Erasmus Pays Basque has a strong connection with local and regional authorities, facilitating youth engagement in public policy discussions on environmental sustainability. Their experience in creating hands-on, experiential learning opportunities for young people aligns perfectly with the cycling-based advocacy activities of BICYCLE.

6. Creativity Works Europe (Poland) – Cultural & Civic Engagement Innovator

Creativity Works Europe (CWE) is a Polish organization specializing in cultural initiatives, creative civic engagement, and sustainable urban development. It has developed numerous projects that use art, media, and digital storytelling to engage young people in civic participation.

CWE has a strong background in using innovative methods to foster social change, including art-based activism, digital media campaigns, and community storytelling. The organization has successfully organized international cultural exchanges, artist residencies, and urban transformation projects that promote youth-led initiatives in sustainability and civic advocacy.

One of CWE’s most notable contributions has been its methodology for engaging young people in community-led urban planning and environmental activism. Their experience in creating youth-driven policy recommendations through creative expression will bring a unique and impactful perspective to the BICYCLE project.