Cycling charity that recycles and rehomes bikes raising funds to tackle ‘significant’ cost increases

Posted on 9 Oct 2024

Recyke y'Bike, which offers free refurbished bikes and accessories to individuals and families who are struggling financially, is seeking donations to cover essential operating costs and to ensure the comfort of its 40 active volunteers in the colder months due to increased heating prices and the cost of living crisis.

The charity, which is a member of ACT and the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), states that grant funding is becoming “increasingly harder to secure,” and that the money will ensure Recyke y'Bike can “find some stability while we restructure our offering and develop new income streams.”

The charity, based in the North-East of England, has been operating since 2006 and has given away over 1,000 bikes since the start of 2020. Demand for their services has grown significantly as bikes due to issues such as transport poverty and sustainability.

CEO of Recyke y'Bike Jack Swain said: "Recyke y'Bike has been a long standing member of the industry, providing so much to so many in the North East, providing free bikes to those that need them the most, training to those that had lost hope, a new start in life and so much more.

“We have worked hard to adapt our offering to be where we are today and we'd be so grateful for everyone's support to help us survive the harsh landscape and re-adapt again to meet the needs of our beneficiaries. Any amount you can give will help us towards financial security to keep providing our services"

Recyke y'Bike’s charity work also includes running free workshops that teach bike mechanics to young people, women, asylum seekers, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, building both practical and social skills, while also working closely with schools, community groups, and other organisations to provide outreach and education around cycling.

The charity has raised over £7,000 if its £15,000 target so far on funding website Crowdfunder. As part of the appeal, insurance firm Aviva has pledged to match donations up to £250 per donor through its Community Fund, doubling the impact of each contribution.

The funds raised will be used in part to heat Recyke y'Bike’s Byker warehouse, which is currently central to the charity’s operation.

Bira acquired ACT, which is the largest cycle trade membership organisation in the UK, into its group of retailers earlier this year. ACT has been promoting cycling for over 100 years.

Donations can be made by visiting Recyke y'Bike’s page on the Crowdfunder website. For more information on the charity, visit the website.