Orbea, the renowned Basque bicycle manufacturer, has unveiled the Orbea Foundation, a dedicated entity aimed at amplifying the brand’s commitment to social and environmental initiatives through cycling, education, and community engagement. (foundation.orbea.com)
This foundation signifies a pivotal evolution in Orbea’s longstanding community involvement. Since its transformation into a worker-owned cooperative in 1969, the company has consistently supported clubs, schools, charities, and research organizations. The establishment of the Orbea Foundation provides a structured framework to develop proprietary projects and extend support to external initiatives. (foundation.orbea.com)
“Organisations have both the ability and the responsibility to help improve the communities they are part of,” stated Arrate Vidarte, director of the Orbea Foundation. She emphasized that, as a cooperative, Orbea has always believed that lasting change comes through collaboration and by combining strengths. This philosophy is evident in projects that create opportunities wherever they take place, from trail-building initiatives that generate economic value in the Pyrenees to programs that promote more sustainable mobility. (foundation.orbea.com)
The Orbea Foundation’s mission is underpinned by five key areas:
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Sustainable Mobility: Promoting and supporting projects that encourage sustainable mobility and decarbonization, prioritizing those where the bicycle plays a central role. (foundation.orbea.com)
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Cycling as a Sport and Leisure: Supporting initiatives that promote cycling as a sport and leisure activity at professional, amateur, and educational levels. (foundation.orbea.com)
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Training, Economic Activity, and Cooperativism: Supporting training and research centers, as well as business initiatives focused on bicycles and social economy models, promoting sustainable development and reducing environmental impact. (foundation.orbea.com)
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Social Justice: Backing initiatives that foster solidarity among people and communities, and that promote social justice focused on protecting the most vulnerable and those at risk of exclusion. (foundation.orbea.com)
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Cultural Heritage and the Environment: Promoting and supporting projects that preserve and develop the Basque language and culture, as well as cultural, sporting, and environmental heritage. (foundation.orbea.com)
Among the projects already receiving support are Spain’s Zona Zero trail network and Bera Bike Park, alongside Peak Pursuits, a Canadian program that helps young people access cycling, and Pisgah Area SORBA’s trail restoration work in the United States. (foundation.orbea.com)
Elsewhere, the foundation is backing educational partnerships with technical institutions linked to the cycling industry, while its social projects include collaborations with the Spanish Cancer Association, ALS charity Dale CandELA, UNICEF initiatives in Africa, and Germany-based CYCLITS, which promotes greater inclusivity in cycling. (foundation.orbea.com)
Organisations wishing to partner with or seek support from the foundation can apply through the Orbea Foundation website. (foundation.orbea.com)
This strategic move positions Orbea alongside a growing number of cycling brands investing beyond product development, using bikes as a platform to support healthier communities, improve access to sustainable transport, and help preserve riding destinations for future generations. (foundation.orbea.com)
Highlights:
- Bardet y Gómez reinan en una Castellón Gravel Race Orbea de altísima exigencia y récord de participación, Published on Monday, February 23
- La Orbea Monegros BTT vuelve a convertir al territorio en el epicentro del ciclismo de montaña, Published on Saturday, April 25
- Castellón se convierte en capital mundial del gravel con una edición histórica de la Orbea Gravel Race, Published on Tuesday, February 17