Thanks to Sue for sharing details of this appeal. Well done to all the Islanders who donated bikes to the Re~Cycle: Bikes to Africa project. Ed
In just ten weeks, Isle of Wight residents have donated over 150 bikes to the charity Re~Cycle: Bikes to Africa.
It’s an inspiring story of people and organisations working together to transport these surplus or unwanted bicycles to ever needy projects in various African countries.
The donated bicycles were previously stored for free at Innerspaces in Cowes, transported in a truck donated for free by Bartletts and cross the Solent for free on a Wightlink ferry. Members of the public play their part too, not only in giving away bikes, but volunteers help prepare the bikes for transit.
Your help needed at ‘pedal parties’
Local co-ordinator Sue Bailey said:
“To maximise the number of bikes we can fit in the Bartletts 7.5 tonne truck, we need to do things like remove the pedals and turn the handlebars.
“We are having two ‘pedal parties’ to which we would love people to come and help.
“They are on Saturday 10th October from 9.30-11.30am and Monday 12th October from 2-4pm. It’s the old adage ‘Many hands make light work’ as 150 bikes take a long time to prepare alone. It’s more fun if there are other people to help!”
For more information contact Sue Bailey on 07837 60 1315.
If anyone would like to know more about Re~Cycle and its African partners, they can look at the website.