And before you ask, it’s not another BBC documentary with Ewan McGregor and the other bloke whose name no one can remember or some annoying comedian acting the fool for Comic Relief; this time it’s a cause that is dear to all of our cycling hearts.
Let me ask you a question…..
What do you do with your old bikes when it’s time to buy a new one? Scrap it? eBay it? Dump it in a river like so many supermarket shopping trolleys?
Ever thought about donating it? Well now you can.
Re-Cycle are a charity that is committed to improving life prospects through the provision of cheap, sustainable transport in Africa. And that is where recycling of bicycles comes into the equation. They believe that by recycling bicycles that are donated to them, it is offering people in countries like Ghana, Namibia, South Africa, Malawi, Zambia and Kenya a chance to get themselves out of poverty by giving them the opportunity to travel to a place of work or school using bicycles.
But not only that. These bikes can also be adapted to help farmers carry goods to market and to give traders the chance to meet more customers. And perhaps most importantly, help health workers get to those in need of help to combat the devastating effects of the AIDS virus.
So how can you help? Well the first thing you need to do is check that your bike is suitable. Re-Cycle have a checklist of what bikes they accept and how you can donate. That link also tells you about the bikes they don’t accept – no toddler trikes please!!
You may be asking “What’s in it for me?” Well, apart from the overwhelming sense of goodwill, if you donate your bike at your nearest Halfords store between the 11th and the 16th July, you can get 10% off a new bike.
Now, those who come to Let’s Ride Birmingham on a regular basis will probably be expecting me to finish this story with a witty one liner, a joke or a little pun. And usually I would. But this story doesn’t need any comedy.
It needs your full attention. And those in need, need your old bikes.
Thank you.
Let's Ride Birmingham! 