London’s Action Bikes becomes a Re-Cycle drop-off partner

The charity Re~Cycle, which ships unwanted bikes from the UK to transform lives in Africa, has agreed a drop-off deal with Action Bikes of London.

Action Bikes has a chain of five shops in central and West London, and have been supplying Re~Cycle with parts for some time.

The public can now drop off bikes, parts and tools. Re~Cycle’s site has a map to find the nearest bike re-use project in the UK.

All the dropped-off bikes and parts will go to Isis prison in East London, where inmates will refurbish them. The inmates use the experience as part of their rehabilitation, training for in City & Guilds cycle repair qualifications.

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.

Founder Merlin Matthews said: "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.

"Many of the bicycles we ship out 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 the award-winning Recyke-y-bike in Newcastle (it’s actually based in, you guessed it, Byker).

Matthews 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 help."

Tony Yerby, MD of Action Bikes, said: "People 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.

"Clear out your cycling clutter and bring it to us!"