Fifteen young people in Walworth will learn how to fix a bicycle and earn a renovated bike of their own thanks to a new charity programme.
Southern Railway has donated bikes found abandoned at its stations to charity Cycle UK. These bikes have since been given to the Community Cycleworks group in Walworth, which runs ‘Build A Bike’ courses with Southwark schools and youth clubs. The young people who take part can then keep the bike they fix.
The children learn how to fix a bike and are taught the mechanics of how a bike works – which should allow them to solve problems when they are cycling in future, hopefully encouraging them to cycle more often
Toby Edwards, a training officer for Cycling UK said: “Cycling UK is hugely grateful to Southern Railway for donating these abandoned bicycles which will make a real difference to the lives of children in South London.
“The ‘Build A Bike’ project run by Community Cycleworks offers young people a chance to learn how to maintain and fix donated cycles which gives them or their family member a real sense of ownership and pride. Whether its cycling to school or riding for fun with their friends, hundreds of miles will hopefully be clocked up once these bikes have been brought back to life.”
Angie Doll, managing director for Southern and Gatwick Express, said: “It’s fantastic to be working with all our partners to promote healthy, green transport by extending the life of previously unwanted bikes. Cycling UK can find these bikes a variety of deserving new owners. And by encouraging young people to cycle and look after their bikes we’re creating lasting benefits.
“We’re proud to help keep Britain moving safely and sustainably. We’re building strong local partnerships right across our network to help communities recover and prosper.”