Live in London? Got a shedful of unloved bike bits? Donate them to Re-Cycle via Action Bikes and help make bikes for Africa.
The charity Re~Cycle, which ships the unwanted bikes from the UK to transform lives in Africa, is excited to announce a new partnership with Action Bikes of London – who are sending unwanted quality bicycles and parts for Re~Cycle to use.
Action Bikes has a chain of 5 shops in central and west London, and have been supplying Re~Cycle with parts for some time.
The public are invited to drop off bikes, parts and tools. Re~Cycle’s site has a map to find the nearest bike re-use project in the UK – http://www.re-cycle.org/Donate/Bike/Search
All the bikes and parts will go to Isis prison in East London, where inmates will refurbish them, while being trained in City & Guilds cycle repair.
For over ten years, Re~Cycle has collected second-hand bikes, parts and tools in the UK shipping them to African countries where local partners teach people how
to repair and maintain the bikes, helping them to improve their lives in a sustainable way.
Millions of unwanted bicycles are rusting in garages or being thrown away in the UK while in Africa, a four-hour daily walk is common – mothers collecting clean water,
parents trekking to the farm, factory or market, or children facing a 20 mile walk to school and back. Motorised transport, where available, typically costs a quarter of people’s tiny income.
Many of the bicycles are used by nurses, midwives and health care workers who visit patients in villages, helping them get to treat more people by reducing journey times.
Bicycles are supplied to Re~Cycle by various groups, including the public, the Police and other bicycle reuse projects, such as Recyke-y-bike in Newcastle.
Merlin Matthews founder of Re~Cycle said: “We are delighted with Action Bike’s generous help. Logistics is a big issue for us, and their acting as collection points will really benefit. We look forward to an long and mutually beneficial relationship. Our African partners will transform lives with the donated bikes and parts”.
Tony Yerby, Director of Action Bikes, said: “Members of the public can drop off donations of not only bikes but any spares with a bit of life left. Action Bikes are pleased to be involved with this worthwhile project, Re~Cycle make real difference to many lives and we urge residents of London join in. Clear out your cycling clutter and bring it to us”.