September 10th 2013

Bike Back Derby – the new recycled bike scheme for Derby, have provided GRAHAM Construction with a fleet of refurbished cycles for their construction workers who are currently working on a major three year construction contract at the Rolls Royce Raynesway site.

The recycled bikes will allow the workers to get around the large construction site on tracks where cars and other vehicles cannot go.

Jon Hughes, Project Manager of Bike Back Derby, commented

“I love the way that GRAHAM Construction are interfacing with the public and charitable sector to find innovative ways of working more effectively, efficiently and environmentally.  This is what Connected is all about and Bike Back Derby is very proud to be part of it.  Solutions like this go to show that this bike recycling project has many positive social outcomes for all and is only made possible by the kind donations of unwanted bikes from the public”

Life Cycle UK’s Bike Back Derby recycling scheme works with prisoners at HMP Stocken and teaches them highly valued skills in cycle mechanics.  On leaving prison, inmates who have worked on the project will have achieved a City & Guilds level 2 in cycle mechanics, currently the highest level awarded.  Once refurbished and checked over by a qualified mechanic, they are sold at affordable prices with the aim of helping people on low incomes to start cycling. The scheme saves old bikes from landfill, teaches prisoners employability skills and provides a supply of refurbished bikes for the community.

Councillor Afzal, Cabinet Member for Planning, Environment & Public Protection,

“I am very excited about Connected and the Bike Back Derby scheme, and the developments it continues to bring both to organisations and the people of Derby.  Almost everyone has an unused bike in their garage or shed, and the fact that these bikes can be recycled has massive advantages for the city.  I welcome the reduction in congestion and pollution, and look forward to seeing more people moving around Derby sustainably.

Since April 2013, 84 bikes have been donated to the scheme, of which 70 recycled bikes have been made and made available to buy.