Island children will enjoy free bicycles as part of a new partnership between the Isle of Wight Council, waste partners Amey and local business, ReCycle and BiCycle.
The Shanklin-based business collects unwanted bicycles from Lynnbottom Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC).
Suitable children’s bicycles are repaired, cleaned and serviced with help from Al’s Bikes, Sandown, before being donated to the local community.
Dix: Innovative and useful project that’ll have a beneficial effect for local Island families
Natasha Dix, the council’s strategic manager for environment, said,
“I would like to thank local companies ReCycle and BiCycle and Al’s Bikes.
“This is an innovative and useful project that will have a beneficial effect for local Island families. It encourages more sustainable travel and diverts unloved bikes from landfill.
“These companies are an excellent example of how a grass-roots initiative can protect our environment and support our local community at the same time.
“We are happy to be working with our waste partners Amey to provide bicycles for the company to refurb and donate.”
The latest recipient is the YMCA nursery in Shanklin. They took delivery of the first batch of refurbished bicycles this week.
Tuckey: Every child should be able to have access to a bicycle
Clare Tuckey, owner of ReCycle and BiCycle, said,
“I feel that every child should be able to have access to a bicycle for so many reasons. The crew at Lynnbottom have been great in storing the unwanted bicycles ready for recycling or re-use
“I’m focusing on supplying local nurseries and preschools first as they will be able to identify the children most in need. If a child wishes to take a bicycle home, they are able to do so as we’re in a position to supply the nursery or preschool with more.”
Gardner: Delighted to be part of scheme
Caroline Gardner, YMCA nursery manager, said,
“These bikes will mean so much to the children; they can use them at nursery, or they can take them home if they do not have a bike.
“We think it is an amazing scheme and are delighted to be part of it.”
Lucioni: We’re always looking for new ways to reduce waste and reuse items
Cllr Karen Lucioni, Cabinet member for waste services, added,
“The Island community has time and again, through kindness and generosity and commitment to reuse recycle and reduce, been among the best in the country in our goal to reduce landfill.
“We are always looking for new ways to reduce waste and reuse items.
“Working in partnership with Amey and these fantastic local businesses, this scheme means that we can put unwanted bikes to good use, rather than scrapping.”
For more information on the scheme, please visit the ReCycle and BiCycle Website.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
