Overview

• The Neukölln-based association was selected as Berlin’s winner of the Deutscher Nachbarschaftspreis 2025 for its bicycle learning workshop serving people with and without refugee experience.
• The nationwide competition drew more than 900 applications, with one project chosen per federal state and each winner receiving 2,000 euros.
• The jury highlighted Rückenwind’s ability to bring people together through practical bike repair and riding activities that enable meaningful interaction.
• Founded in 2015 in a Moabit shared flat, the initiative has grown to more than 130 volunteers from over 20 countries working across multiple sites.
• Current operations include five-day-a-week neighborhood repairs at Refugio on Lenaustraße, a workshop at the former Tempelhof accommodation, a mobile repair service, and a planned new space at Innsbrucker Platz with a self-help area and women-focused workshops.