Why leave an unused bicycle in a shed or throw it out? You can help change lives and protect the planet. Across the UK these bikes are gathered by Re-cycle to ship them to Africa. Since 1997 they have sent over 120,000 bikes to Africa.
In Africa, especially in rural communities, people are very happy with these bicycles. They can use them to carry heavy loads like water, crops and firewood or to get to school or work.
It lightens their burden and improves people’s lives giving them the extra time to earn, learn and enjoy life. Re-cycle has touched the lives of over 600,000 people so far.
Re-cycle
Having collection points all over the UK Re-cycle works together with bike retailers to gather even more bicycles.
Only good quality, sturdy and sustainable bicycles are sent to Africa. The others are stripped for spares. The remaining parts are recycled. This makes a big difference in the wheel of the circular economy.
Local
In Africa the bicycles are refurbished, distributed and maintained by locals. In this way the people in Africa can earn some money and the bicycles are taken good care of. New locals are hired by running bicycle maintenance workshops.
“Take an unwanted bike, ship it to where it is really needed and teach the local people the skills to fix and maintain it”.
Martin Lewis, Founder & Editor, Money Saving Expert
Volunteers
Volunteers in the UK are vital to the charity. Without their support Re-cycle would not be able to operate to the standard they do.
Susan, our Warmshowers’ host on the Isle of Wight, has been a volunteer for 7 years. She rented a van to pick up several donated bikes and spares. We help her loading the van. Later this month the bicycles will be prepped, stripped and loaded into a container to be sent to Africa.
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