A programme in Dublin is offering teenage residents of the Fingal County Council area a replacement refurbished bicycle if theirs is stolen. Most teenagers have low or no income, so if their bike gets stolen, it has a disproportionate impact on their ability to stay cycling and use active travel. And what we generally see is that a lot of teenagers, when they get their bike stolen, will go back to unsustainable modes of transport, whether its looking for a lift from their mum and dad or driving, said Stephen McGinn, a cycling and walking officer with Fingal County CouncilAs part of a commitment to the circular economy, the bicycles are sourced from donated or abandoned bikes, which are then refurbished. If they eventually get a new bicycle, participants are also encouraged to donate their bikes back to the centre.The programme is run for the council by the Rediscovery Centre, a charity focused on the circular economy and reuse, which brands itself as the National Centre for the Circular Economy. As reported recently, it also engages in bicycle mechanic training at its Ballymun base.Mark Dunne, cycling programme manager at the Rediscovery Centre, said: In collaboration with Fingal County Council, we supply reconditioned bikes that were donated to us.In a video (below), he outlines how the Rediscover Centre strips the bikes down to their frames, cleans them, repairs any issues, and puts the bikes back together. It then tests them with a 170-point checklist and a test cycle in their car park. The bikes are handed to people with a replacement lock.Lucy, a Fingal resident who has used Second Spin, said: It really annoyed me that my bike was stolen, I had to rely more on my parents to get me to the likes of training and to and from work. I love my bike, it gives me freedom.As part of the project, data will also be gathered on where bike theft is most common, providing valuable insights into patterns and hotspots across Fingal. This information can help identify areas where improvements to bike parking facilities might reduce theft. It will also allow the council to collaborate with schools, community groups, and Garda to raise awareness about bike security.Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom OLeary, said: This unique project supports young people who have faced the distress of bike theft to get back on their bikes, helping them reclaim their freedom, but also encouraging a greener, more sustainable future.David Storey, director of services for Environment, Climate Action, Active Travel and Sport, said: Bike theft is more than just an inconvenience for teenagers, it can mean a real loss of independence and a setback in building long-term sustainable travel habits. With Second Spin, we want to make sure that one negative experience doesnt stop young people from cycling.AnnMarie Farrelly, chief executive of Fingal County Council, said: By renewing bikes through the circular economy, were not only supporting active travel but also reducing waste and promoting climate action. This is about giving teenagers their freedom back while helping to build a more sustainable future for everyone.Applying for the scheme is easy; if you are the teenage victim of bike theft, fill out an application form so that the council can help keep you cycling: https://forms.office.com/e/iX3z0TgTB0