Council works in partnership with re3 to give unwanted bikes a new home
Wokingham Borough Council has given the term “re-cycling” a whole new meaning with the launch of its initiative to give a new lease of life to bikes that have been left at its recycling centres by residents.
The council’s My Journey team, who actively promote walking and cycling whilst working closely with local schools, communities and workplaces, have been working in partnership with re3 and local bike maintenance service Dr Bike to collect any bikes from the centres that could be serviced and safely brought back to their former glory to use again by other eager cyclists.
Within the last year, over 4,000 bikes left at both re3 recycling centres, in Longshot Lane, Bracknell and Island Road, Reading, have been reused instead of being sent to landfill, benefiting the environment, as well as generating savings through the reduction of disposal costs.
A number of these pre-owned bicycles, which have all been professionally safety checked and sanitised, have been donated to My Journey and used during their bike training sessions, from their balance bike training for 2 to – 4 year olds to the over 60s led cycle rides. The re3 bikes are also being used as loan bikes for adults who are looking to switch into safer and greener ways to get to work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This initiative will help our My Journey Team to continue their great work, teaching our residents across all generations to ride a bike safely, building their confidence and sharing their love of cycling and the benefits it brings, “ said Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways.
“Walking and cycling can save you money, improve your fitness and your physical and mental health. It also reduces air pollution and congestion on our roads.”
Cllr Gregor Murray, executive member for climate change and member of the re3 joint waste disposal board, added, “As we continue to work together with residents, businesses, charities and schools to become carbon neutral by 2030, we welcome fantastic initiatives like these that will help us to move another step closer to our goal while reducing our emissions and addressing climate change.”
Another organisation that benefits from the use of recycled bikes, donated by re3, is Sue Ryder charity.
Jane Bullen, Retail Sales Manager at Sue Ryder, said: “The bikes donated by re3 are a fantastic way for us to raise funds for our palliative, bereavement and neurological support. As the bikes are donated to us, we are able to sell them at a reasonable price to make sure cycling is as accessible as possible for our community”.
For further information about the council’s cycle training and My Journey team visit www.myjourneywokingham.com
PIC BY STEWART TURKINGTON
www.stphotos.co.uk
