A unique motorcycle created in homage to the historic Mumbles tram has scooped two awards at a national competition.
The Mumbles Tramtrike earned its makers the “Fantasy Best Boys Team” and “Best Portfolio” trophies in the National Youthbike 2010 youth motorcycle building competition. The wins make it the third year in a row that a Swansea team has ridden home with honours from the prestigious event.
The stunning creation was developed by a team of teenagers calling themselves the Swansea Tramsformers. They attend the Swansea Youth Justice Centre, part of the Youth Offending Service run by Swansea Council, its partner agencies and Swansea Museum.
What started life as two separate vehicles, a Robin Rialto and a Yamaha Diversion 600, was merged into a unique vehicle in the image of the iconic tram which graced the Swansea Bay shores 50 years ago.
The project aimed to help Swansea teenagers steer away from crime by gaining skills and confidence. The team working on the bike have been involved in everything from design, carpentry and metal work to painting and mechanics.
It is the third year in the row that a Swansea Youth Justice Centre team has scooped honours in the Youthbike competition. Previous winning creations include the “Black Pig” pirate boat bike and the Greek Spartan chariot bike.
The latest project is part of a programme at the Swansea Council funded Youth Justice Centre designed to help youngsters felt to be at risk of involvement in offending or anti-social behaviour.
The project is supported by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Community Justice Interventions Wales and helps young people gain new skills, confidence, and to develop the ability to see a project through no matter what challenges may arise.
Their quest has been helped not only through the dedication of the Swansea Council led Youth Offending Service team but also by local businesses including Kingsbridge Auto Salvage and MK Engineering.
Youth Justice Centre manager Rob Richards said: “Yet again our young people have done us proud. We plan to promote the tramtrike at a variety of events over the summer to celebrate their success.
” I thought they could not top the boat and the chariot but this is quite something.
“The process from start to finish has provided the youngsters taking part with opportunities to develop skills as individuals and how to work well as a team with staff, volunteers, and each other.”
