December 3rd 2013

Christmas arrived early for Ashcroft Primary School, thanks to the recycled bike scheme – Bike Back Derby.

Following a recent theft of hired children’s bikes from the school, Bike Back Derby came to their rescue, and delivered six recycled bikes from the scheme. It was a welcomed donation; the school actively promotes healthy lifestyles to pupils and regularly takes them on cycle trips around the local area. Deputy Head, Wendy Jones said:

“I’d like to say a big thank you to Bike Back Derby for donating these bikes to the school… These bikes will allow those children who don’t have their own bike to join in with these activities.”

As part of Connected and Life Cycle UK, Bike Back Derby recycles, unwanted and unused bikes donated by the public, completely restoring them to a condition that is better than new! The scheme works with prisoners at HMP Stocken, where inmates who work on the project, have the opportunity to achieve a City & Guilds level 2 qualification in cycle mechanics, currently the highest level awarded. Once refurbished the bikes are returned to Derby and sold at affordable prices with the aim of helping people on low incomes to start cycling. Jon Hughes, Project Manager for Bike Back Derby commented:

“Because of people donating their unwanted bikes to us, we have been able to come to the aid of Ashcroft Primary School. This show’s once again that the bike recycling project has many positive outcomes, and I am delighted to be able to help and get more children out cycling … Help us keep this brilliant project going by donating your old bike!”

There are a number of great benefits to the scheme, Bike Back Derby saves old bikes from landfill, teaches prisoners employability skills and provides a supply of refurbished bikes for the community.

If you would like to find out more about the scheme including how to donate an unused bike, the next sale or how to get involved, visit the Bike Back Derby webpage.